Doncic reveals key team meeting took place to turn around Lakers’ fortunes
The Lakers star opened up on conversations between his teammate and management on how to progress.
After a series of defensive lapses that have plagued the Lakers this season, star guard Luka Dončić has publicly accepted his role in improving the team’s performance on that end of the floor. Dončić’s comments come as Los Angeles’ coaching staff has called for a renewed commitment to defence in practice and games.
Despite sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings with an 18-7 record, the Lakers have struggled to contain opponents. They are currently positioned well below the league average in key defensive metrics, including overall defensive rating, fast-break points allowed and opponents’ three-point shooting percentage.
After an extended practice session focused on defensive issues, Doncic was clear when asked about conversations that took place between top figures in the side: “It was good,” he admitted, “we talked about a lot, not just that, but he was right. You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that’s on us. That’s on me. And we just got to give more, especially at the start the game. We got to start the game better.”
Lakers in the lab pic.twitter.com/WkbvotICOc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 17, 2025
“We did a pretty good job... we should be like that”
Los Angeles received its first real test of this renewed defensive focus in a narrow 116-114 road win against Phoenix. The Lakers held the Suns to just 15 points in the third quarter, including a stretch of nearly eight minutes without giving up any points.
“I think in Phoenix, we did a pretty good job,” Doncic said. “The plan was focused on ourselves and defensive mentality, so I think we did a pretty good job.”
“We should be like that,” Doncic said of the game. “Like JJ said, ‘We told on ourselves’ and we should look at that clip. Phoenix is one of the most physical teams in the NBA, so we did a pretty good job there.”
The squad loved Luka's Christmas gift 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xJf5WiQcnc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 17, 2025
Related stories
Looking ahead, the Lakers face another defensive challenge on the road against the Utah Jazz. With injuries affecting players like Deandre Ayton and Gabe Vincent, the Lakers will need collective discipline to limit easy concessions and keep up their momentum.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment