Doncic Responds to Defensive Criticism: I'm Better This Year

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic responded to criticism that he has not been playing defense. Doncic got off to a fast start to the new season. He scored over 35 points in each of the last four games he played and most recently led the Lakers to a win over the Toronto Raptors.

In the game against Toronto, Doncic scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, dished 6 assists and recorded 5 steals. Speaking at the post-game press conference, he said people and the media can say whatever they want. He said he knows that he and his teammates are better this year. Acknowledging that he is not the best defender in the NBA, he said he believes he has made significant progress this year.

Doncic said he expects negative comments to continue, and explained that he has focused on himself, his team and what they can do to make the Lakers better. He said he believes he has made major improvement on both offense and defense, and that he should keep it up.

Mentioning the injury he suffered late last season, Doncic recalled that in March they put together a run of 13 wins and 2 losses. Saying they approached the playoffs playing their best basketball, he said what happened was a huge disappointment and the season did not end the way they wanted.