The Los Angeles Lakers has opened the NBA season on an impressive note, with Luka Doncic playing at an inspired, MVP-level pace. The Lakers have relied not only on their star guard, but also on key contributions from teammates such as Austin Reaves, allowing them to navigate early adversity and emerge as one of the strongest teams in the league. Their growth is tied directly to noticeable improvements, especially on the defensive end.
Following the Lakers’ practice on Thursday morning, Doncic spoke about the strides he has seen from the team during the first month of the regular season. “I feel like there’s a lot of improvements. We talked about it today before practice,” Doncic said. “I think we’re doing a really good job, but the good thing about this is that we still have a lot of improvement left.”
Statistically, he is right. Through the first 15 games of the season, the Lakers sit 17th in the NBA in defensive rating at 115.3 — firmly in the middle of the pack but showing clear progress. In an interesting twist, Doncic is currently among the top defensive performers on the roster.
The top five players in defensive rating within the regular rotation are Jarred Vanderbilt, Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Bronny James, per StatMuse. Doncic owns a 111.7 defensive rating, and earlier in November, after a win over the San Antonio Spurs, he acknowledged how much effort he has put into that side of the floor.
What factor sparked this defensive improvement?
The collective buy-in and communication required to defend at a high level do not happen overnight, and the Lakers — under the guidance of head coach JJ Redick — have clearly committed to that process. Doncic explained what has driven the improvement.
“First of all, just communication, getting people in the right spot. A lot of times I’m the low man so I’ve got to communicate that. I’ve got to put people in their spots,” Doncic said. “I think it’s better, more focused, so just keep going off of that.”
That increased commitment has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Forward Rui Hachimura said earlier this month that he has seen a significant shift in Doncic’s approach on defense, particularly in terms of vocal leadership.
“He’s trying to be more vocal compared to last year. I can see him being vocal on defense,” Hachimura said. “He’s trying to poke through, he’s trying to be more physical, be more aggressive… that’s what we need from him too. He’s taken it, so it’s been great.” The Lakers still have plenty of room for growth, but with Doncic setting the tone and the roster embracing a stronger defensive identity, Los Angeles is positioning itself as a true contender early in the season.