Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 118–116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena, scoring 35 points with nine rebounds and 13 assists to secure the team’s seventh win of the season.
Despite his offensive output, Doncic focused his postgame comments on the Lakers’ defensive effort and team communication. “First of all, just communication,” Doncic said. “Getting the people in the right spot. I’m a lot of times the low man, so I got to communicate that. I got to put people in their spots. But then just the activity — I think it’s better. I’m more focused and just got to keep going like that.”
The Lakers held San Antonio to 39.4% shooting and forced 19 turnovers, showing improved defensive discipline even as foul trouble affected both teams. Doncic, who picked up five fouls, admitted the frequent whistles made the game difficult to manage. “It was a lot of whistles,” he said. “We won the game, so I guess I like it, but it stops a lot of game. Probably for the fans it’s not the best.”
With LeBron James and Austin Reaves sidelined, Doncic credited the Lakers’ depth and energy for keeping them competitive through a demanding stretch. “I’m enjoying very much playing with these guys,” he said. “We’re still missing Bron, but everybody steps on the court and gives maximum. Everybody.”
The 26-year-old guard also discussed his ongoing focus on defense, saying the motivation came from his own desire to improve rather than outside criticism. “Obviously there’s always going to be critics,” Doncic said. “But I think it was more myself. I think I can do more things to help my team win.”
Doncic praised Marcus Smart’s defensive influence, calling him a major factor in the team’s early success. “He does some things I’ve never seen in my life — how he dives for the ball or something else,” Doncic said. “His leadership and communication on defense has been everything for us.”
When asked about his evolving leadership style, Doncic acknowledged becoming more vocal this season. “It’s definitely more vocal too,” he said. “But I think leadership shouldn’t be just one player. Everybody talks a lot of times. I feel like everybody’s on the same page.”
Los Angeles improved to 7–2 with the win and will head to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Saturday, while the Spurs, now 5–3, return home to play the Houston Rockets.
