Dončić Adds Defensive Impact to His MVP Push

Dončić is averaging 38.3 points, eight rebounds and 8.1 assists through seven games, including four performances of at least 40 points. After he scored 42 in a win over Miami on Monday, Giannis Antetokounmpo praised him as one of basketball’s greatest scorers.

His defense has also drawn attention. Against Toronto on Sunday, Dončić scored 45 points, grabbed 15 defensive rebounds, made five steals, drew three offensive fouls and blocked a shot. The Lakers outscored Toronto by 27 points during his minutes, the best plus-minus mark for any player in the game. Coach J.J. Redick said the defensive effort impressed the team.

Los Angeles is 6–2 and ranks among the league’s top 10 in net rating. Its starting lineup has posted a 135.5 offensive rating, the best among five-player groups with at least 40 minutes together. Austin Reaves has excelled alongside Dončić, while Walker Kessler is averaging a double-double and wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams have contributed on both ends.

There are weaknesses to address. The Lakers’ bench ranks in the bottom third in scoring and gives up an average margin of more than 12 points per game. The team has struggled on the boards, ranks in the lower half defensively, and Dončić and Reaves are averaging nearly 10 turnovers combined. Redick said the team would improve through more practice, film and time together.

Dončić’s previous MVP push was cut short by a hamstring injury in early April. To contend this season, he will need to sustain his defensive effort and help keep the Lakers near the top of the Western Conference, with Victor Wembanyama and two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also in the race.