Luka Dončić has spent most of his NBA career carrying a familiar label: that he is an elite scorer but questionable defender. It followed him through big moments and to the Los Angeles Lakers as well. But that narrative is beginning to shift.
With the Los Angeles Lakers finding consistency, which is reflected in their 11-1 record in their last 12 games, Dončić’s defensive effort is drawing attention for the right reasons. Now, coach JJ Redick has backed that improvement with both praise and numbers, suggesting Dončić is no longer the weak link teams once targeted.
How Coach JJ Redick Views Luka Dončić’s Defensive Impact
Redick made it clear that Dončić’s defense has taken a noticeable step forward. “Overall, he’s been a good defender for us,” Redick said.
That statement alone signals a change in perception, but Redick supported it with specifics. He noted that when Dončić is switched onto the ball, he is allowing under 0.9 points per possession. That figure places him among the more effective perimeter defenders on the team.
“When he gets switched on to the ball – I don’t know what the updated numbers are after the last three games – it’s been under 0.9 [points allowed per possession]. It’s been one of the best, if not the best of all our perimeter guys,” Redick added.
The numbers back up the claim. Dončić is allowing around 0.84 points per possession in isolation, while also ranking in the top 10 in steals. He sits in the 95th percentile in shots contested and the 87th percentile in rim contests, reflecting increased activity and engagement.
Redick also emphasized effort and awareness as key factors.
“He’s been more active with rotations and being physical with our switching groups. With him, it’s to be solid, engaged, do our rules, and he’s smart and can execute that at a high level. When he’s fully on defensively, he can guard the basketball. We’ve seen him do it against everybody in this league. We trust him.”
That combination of effort and execution has started to change how Dončić impacts games beyond scoring.
Defensive concerns have followed Dončić since he entered the league, and they became especially prominent during the 2024 Finals, when the Boston Celtics repeatedly targeted him.
While his overall defensive rating this season remains around 113.8, slightly higher than last year’s 111.6, recent performances suggest improvement. Over his last five games, that number has dipped to 111.7, indicating better defensive consistency.
His activity has also increased. Dončić is averaging 2.5 steals per game over that stretch, compared to his season average of 1.6. In his 60-point performance against the Miami Heat, he added 5 steals, showing a more complete impact on both ends of the floor.
His defensive growth has been evident in recent games, including strong team performances against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers disrupted the Rockets’ offensive rhythm and forced difficult possessions, particularly suffocating Kevin Durant, forcing him into 7 turnovers and restricting him to just 1-for-5 shooting in the second half.
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Although Dončić is not yet a lockdown defender, his improved effort and physicality are helping him avoid being a defensive liability. As the Lakers continue their recent turnaround, shedding their early-season identity as an offense-heavy team, Dončić’s development on defense is becoming an important part of that shift.
With their 45th win of the season, the Lakers have cemented their position as the third seed, and their overall efforts on both ends of the floor are a major reason for their late-season success.
