Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has spent much of his NBA career answering questions about his defense. Now, an impressive statistic is helping support his argument that he has taken a significant step forward on that end of the floor. According to a graphic shared Wednesday by the Lakers' official social media account, Doncic leads the NBA in defensive field goal percentage on two-point attempts this season.
Opponents are shooting just 21.9% on two-point shots defended by Doncic, the lowest percentage among players who have defended at least 30 such attempts during the 2026-27 regular season. The statistic comes just days after Doncic addressed criticism surrounding his defensive abilities following Los Angeles' victory over the Toronto Raptors. "Obviously, I'm not the best defender in the NBA, but I think this year, I really took a step forward," Doncic said Sunday.
The six-time All-NBA selection also made it clear that outside criticism has not changed his confidence. "Obviously, people are going to talk what they want to talk [about] me," Doncic said. "But I know, and my team knows, that I'm better this year." His performance against Toronto offered one of the clearest examples of that improvement.
Doncic recorded 45 points, 15 rebounds, five steals and three charges drawn in the Lakers' 131-125 victory. According to ESPN Research, he became the first player to record five steals and draw three charges in the same game since player tracking began during the 2013-14 season. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Doncic's defensive commitment, particularly his willingness to sacrifice his body by drawing charges.
Center Walker Kessler also defended his teammate's reputation, saying Doncic does not receive enough recognition for his defensive contributions. The latest statistic adds another dimension to a remarkable start for Doncic, who is averaging a league-leading 38.3 points while helping Los Angeles establish itself among the Western Conference's early contenders. Although defensive field goal percentage alone does not determine a player's overall defensive effectiveness, Doncic's early numbers challenge the perception that his impact is limited to offense.
Sustaining that production throughout the season will be the next test. But after years of questions about his defense, Doncic is beginning to build a case that goes beyond his own words. Opponents are finding it increasingly difficult to score against him.
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