Everyone has a weak spot, and Luka Doncic is no exception. As unstoppable as he’s been offensively, averaging 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists on 54.5% shooting, defense has never been his strongest suit. With LeBron James out, Doncic and Austin Reaves have carried the Lakers’ scoring load with ease. But questions about his defensive grit linger. However, after tonight’s clash against the Spurs, fans might just start to see Doncic’s effort on that end in a whole new light.

After the Lakers’ dominant 118-116 win over the Spurs, Marcus Smart couldn’t help but gush in surprise during the postgame press conference. Learning that Luka Doncic had dropped over 35 points, dished out 10 assists, grabbed 9 rebounds, and snagged 5 steals, Smart’s instant reaction said it all: “DPOY, baby.”

It was a mix of disbelief and admiration. And who could blame him? Doncic not only carried the Lakers offensively but also etched his name into franchise history, becoming the first player ever to post such an all-around stat line in a single game. But this isn’t the first Lakers record that Doncic has shattered.

Just two games into the new season, Luka Doncic had already etched his name into Lakers history. The 6-foot-6 Slovenian star became the first Lakers player ever to open a season with consecutive 40-point games, a rare feat achieved by only three others in NBA history. He joined an elite company alongside Anthony Davis, Wilt Chamberlain, and Michael Jordan.

On that record-breaking night, Doncic exploded for 48 points, his new Lakers career high, shooting 14-of-22 from the field, hitting five threes, and sinking 15-of-17 free throws, while also grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out eight assists. He’s making sure Dallas knows exactly what they let go.

Luka Doncic’s defensive chops have been under the microscope this season. In 2024-25, he had a defensive rating of 111.6, and with him on the court this season, the Lakers sit at 117.6, only slightly higher than 116.1 without him. After a recent game, head coach JJ Redick praised Luka’s effort despite some slow starts defensively, saying:

“Yeah, there’s been a couple games where he’s gotten off to a slow start defensively just in terms of his physicality and engagement, but overall I think it’s been really good. And to have five steals and two blocks on a night when you’re in foul trouble, you know, still staying active, still participating like there was nothing. There was a couple times, you know, he gets switched on to Wemby, gets switched on to Castle, uh he’s in a closeout with [Devin] Vassell there wasn’t matador defense. He’s still guarded. And um that was that was huge.”

He credited the win to the team’s fourth-quarter defense.

Doncic shines on both ends against Spurs’ defensive star

The Los Angeles Lakers held on for a 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena, with Luka Doncic carrying the team on both ends. Doncic scored 35 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds, while also tying a career high with five steals. His defense was crucial down the stretch, especially against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

The game started tight, with the Spurs taking an early 10-point lead before the Lakers clawed back. DeAndre Ayton added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Marcus Smart chipped in 17 points and five assists. Despite trailing by nine in the fourth, Los Angeles’ defense forced turnovers and limited San Antonio to 39.4% shooting in the final minutes, allowing Doncic to hit a critical 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining.

San Antonio leaned on Stephon Castle, who had 16 points and eight assists, while Wembanyama struggled with 19 points and eight rebounds. Other Spurs players like Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes also fouled out late, limiting the team’s offensive options. The absence of De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper added to the Spurs’ challenges in the backcourt.

With Wembanyama leading early DPOY conversations this season, Doncic’s all-around performance, especially on the defensive end against such a top contender, raises questions about whether he can challenge the Spurs’ star for defensive recognition.