The NBA’s top scorer did what he usually does on offense. This time, it was his defense people were talking about. And the Lakers star finally got the recognition he says he has been working toward.
Luka Doncic scored 45 points and added a historic defensive performance as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 131 to 125 on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
What did Luka Doncic do on defense?
Doncic forced eight Toronto turnovers, recording five steals and drawing three charges. He became the first player to reach both marks in the same game since the NBA began tracking player data in the 2013 to 2014 season, according to Research.
He drew two charges on RJ Barrett and one on Scottie Barnes. He also grabbed 15 rebounds, a season high, all on the defensive end. Drawing a charge means a defender plants his feet and absorbs contact from a driving player, resulting in an offensive foul.
Luka Doncic said he knows he is not the best defender in the league but believes he took a step forward this year. People will say what they want about him, he said, but he and his teammates know he has improved.
How did teammates and coaches react?
The Lakers center, acquired this offseason to strengthen a defense that finished 20th in the league last season, called the performance incredible and said Doncic does not get enough credit for his defense. The center was traded to Los Angeles from Utah.
The Lakers coach called taking a charge a form of leadership, saying Doncic was putting his body on the line for the team and showing the same competitiveness on defense that he shows on offense.
When told about the praise, Doncic smiled and said it had finally come.
A Lakers reserve who played against his former team said Doncic has pride and hunger and does not want to be seen as a player opponents can attack.
Why has Luka Doncic’s defense been questioned?
Luka Doncic has long faced criticism for his defense, and he said he does not know why he has that reputation. He acknowledged he drew only a handful of charges in six and a half seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before committing to it more in Los Angeles.
Drawing charges gets the whole team fired up, he said, adding that three in one game is not bad.
The Raptors coach said Doncic returned this season in great shape and looks healthy, and that he is unstoppable when he is healthy. Doncic faced questions about his conditioning before the trade.
How has Luka Doncic been scoring?
Luka Doncic leads the NBA at 37.7 points a game, and Sunday’s game was his third with at least 40 points in his last four.
The reserve said it takes three players to guard Doncic and joked that he seems to score at least 35 every time he plays.
Doncic, 27, is in his second full season with the Lakers after a stunning trade from Dallas in February 2025. The deal sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
What else is happening with the Lakers?
The win comes amid major changes off the court. New investors have finalized terms to buy the team at a valuation of $12.5 billion, according to reports, as a family dispute among the Buss heirs continues.
Earlier this season, a Warriors rookie criticized Doncic for complaining to officials. Sunday’s performance gave the star a different kind of headline. That rookie, Yaxel Lendeborg, said he lost respect for Doncic after their matchup.
For Luka Doncic, the night offered proof that his game is growing on both ends of the floor.
