Luka Doncic points to key area Lakers can vastly improve to bolster championship odds

Luka Doncic believes the Los Angeles Lakers have significant room to improve defensively to strengthen their championship contention. Following a 124-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Doncic noted that the team tends to relax during stretches, which allows opponents to go on runs. Despite holding an NBA-best 10-2 record with the highest-rated offense at 121.5, the Lakers currently rank 19th in defensive rating.

Doncic recorded 32 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals, and two blocks against Atlanta while leading the league in scoring at 39.3 points per game. While the Lakers struggle in rebounding and falter defensively when Walker Kessler rests, the team ranks second in steals per game and third in blocks per game.