Luka Doncic’s Surprising Defensive Stats Go Viral
Luka Doncic's Surprising Defensive Stats Go Viral
Luka Doncic has emerged as a surprising defensive asset for the Los Angeles Lakers in March 2025, challenging the narrative that he’s a liability on that end of the floor.
Despite recent criticism during the team’s defensive slump, statistics reveal that Doncic actually leads the Lakers with a 112.9 defensive rating this month while also contributing 1.8 steals per game.
This defensive performance comes alongside his impressive offensive production, where he’s averaged 27.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists since joining the Lakers in February.
The Lakers’ coaching staff has strategically positioned Doncic in defensive schemes that maximize his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses against perimeter players. While acknowledging his limitations guarding other guards, the team has found ways to make Doncic effective by allowing him to be selective with his defensive engagements. This approach has helped the Lakers maintain their status as one of the NBA’s stronger defensive units while integrating their newest star, demonstrating that Doncic’s defensive capabilities may have been underestimated by critics.
Luka Doncic’s Defense Is Not Perfect, But It’s Better Than Advertised
Luka Doncic has often faced criticism for his defensive capabilities, but recent statistics suggest these concerns may be overblown. Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has demonstrated that he possesses more defensive skill than many analysts previously acknowledged. His defensive metrics in March particularly show improvement, challenging the narrative that he’s a liability on that end of the court.
Doncic maintained a sub-110 defensive rating during his time with the Mavericks this season before settling at 111.1 overall. Prior to his December calf injury and subsequent trade to Los Angeles, Doncic himself felt he was having his best defensive season yet.
Physical Advantages:
- Strong post defender
- Solid frame that’s difficult to move
- Effective against power forwards
- Good in isolation situations
The Lakers have strategically deployed Doncic on defense, rarely asking him to be the primary defender against elite perimeter players. Instead, they’ve utilized his strength and size to guard larger players where his athletic limitations are less exposed.
While carrying the offensive load for his team (27.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 18 games with the Lakers), Doncic has maintained respectable defensive numbers. This balance demonstrates his growing maturity as a complete player.
Interestingly, the Mavericks’ comments about Doncic’s defensive weaknesses and habits may have inadvertently motivated him to improve this aspect of his game. The trade appears to have given Doncic additional motivation to prove his former team wrong.
When paired with LeBron James, Doncic’s defensive responsibilities are manageable within the Lakers’ system. Though he’ll never be an elite rim protector or lockdown perimeter defender, his basketball IQ allows him to be positioned effectively within team defensive schemes.
The reality of Doncic’s defense falls somewhere between the extremes of “liability” and “stopper.” His improvements on that end represent a player determined to round out his game and silence critics who question his ability to contribute to winning basketball beyond scoring and playmaking.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
