The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2025-26 season with an 11-4 record, showing balanced play on both ends, but Luka Doncic is especially encouraged by the team’s defensive development. Following Thursday’s practice, he highlighted ongoing improvements and the potential for further growth.
“I feel like there’s a lot of improvements. We talked about it today before practice,” Doncic said, via ClutchPoints. “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.”
Through the first 15 games, the Lakers rank 17th in the NBA in defensive rating at 115.3, but Doncic himself stands out with a team-best 111.7 rating among regular rotation players. Jarred Vanderbilt, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Bronny James round out the top five in defensive efficiency.
Doncic’s defensive focus has been evident since early November, with the guard emphasizing communication and positioning. “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,” he said after a win over the Spurs on November 5.
The Lakers’ balanced effort extends across the roster, with Austin Reaves averaging 28.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 12 games, while Ayton contributes 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds over 14 contests. LeBron James, in his sole appearance added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Los Angeles has recorded seven wins in their last nine games, including a 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz on November 18. The team’s defensive improvements have been a factor in maintaining leads and limiting high-scoring opponents, helping the Lakers stay near the top of the Western Conference.
Coach JJ Redick has emphasized defensive accountability, and Doncic’s leadership has been key to aligning rotations and assignments. The team’s road record of 7-2 demonstrates that defensive progress is translating in various environments.
