Luka Dončić Scores 45 Points and Targets Both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Awards
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić registered 45 points, six assists, 15 defensive rebounds, and five steals while drawing three offensive charging fouls in a victory over the Toronto Raptors on November 2.
The Lakers built a 104-82 lead by the end of the third quarter before Toronto mounted a late charge against the Los Angeles bench unit. The roster adjustments follow an offseason overhaul that parted ways with LeBron James, pairing Dončić with Austin Reaves in the backcourt and adding center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz to strengthen the interior.
Dončić’s defensive output overshadowed his offensive numbers, anchoring a team effort that earned praise from the coaching staff.
His defense is great.
Above all, 15 defensive rebounds is phenomenal.
Taking a charge is a way to express leadership because you’re putting your body on the line for the team,
Redick said. He just wants to win.
We see his competitive spirit on offense come out repeatedly, and he’s equally a bad loser on the defensive end.
Luka Dončić scores 45 points and grabs 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 131-125 on Sunday.https://t.co/m8TWHaMFWO
Finally, I got praised by Redick (laughs),
Dončić said. I don’t know why people think I can’t contribute on defense.
Of course, I’m not the best defender in the NBA, but I really think I took a step forward this year.
It’s natural for people and the media to say whatever they want, but everyone knows my defense is better this year, and that’s helping the whole team.
Up until now, I could count on one hand the number I’d drawn in the last six or seven years.
I just wanted to get better at taking them, and three in one game isn’t bad, right?
Luka Doncic puts on another sensational show, scoring 45 in Lakers' win over Raptors https://t.co/yyQgeWzk8M
Dončić leads the league in scoring with an average of 37.7 points per game through the early stretch of the season. When asked by a reporter whether he covets the regular-season MVP or the Defensive Player of the Year award more, Dončić kept his ambitions broad. Both,
Dončić said. But you guys are the ones voting (laughs).
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