Doncic Challenges Lakers to Maintain Defensive Intensity

Lakers star calls for more consistent defensive effort after strong showing against Knicks

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic praised his team's defensive performance in their 110-97 win over the New York Knicks, but challenged the Lakers to maintain that level of intensity on the defensive end for the rest of the season. Doncic highlighted the team's ability to draw charges, with several Lakers players ranking near the top of the league in that category.

Why it matters

The Lakers' defensive effort against the high-powered Knicks offense was a positive sign, as the team has struggled with consistency on that end of the floor this season. Doncic's challenge to the team to sustain that defensive intensity could be a key factor in the Lakers' playoff push.

The details

The Lakers held the Knicks, who came into the game third in the NBA in offensive rating, to just 42.7% shooting from the field and 23.5% from 3-point range. Doncic in particular has been engaged on the defensive end, ranking second among the Lakers' regular rotation players in defensive rating. The team has also been leading the league in charges drawn, with several players ranking near the top of the league in that category.

  • The Lakers defeated the Knicks on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is calling for more consistent defensive effort from the team.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who defended Doncic's defensive efforts prior to the game against the Knicks.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers player who is ranked 3rd in the league in taking charges.

Chris Mañon

A Lakers player who is ranked 4th in the league in taking charges, though it's a small sample size.

Marcus Smart

A Lakers player who is ranked 6th in the league in taking charges.

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What they’re saying

“I think we just talked about it during the season a lot, that we definitely need to be a better defensive team. I think we're showing that we can do it. We're telling on ourselves. So we just got to keep doing that.”

— Luka Doncic (clutchpoints.com)

“JJ [Redick] mentioned it before the season. We're No. 1 in charges which is pretty awesome. So it's just trying to copy that.”

— Luka Doncic (clutchpoints.com)

“I think it's easy to create a montage of clips of any player. We can create the same montage of good clips of containing the basketball. I know that it's easy to pick on him right now, but his defense has been good.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Lakers will look to build on their strong defensive performance against the Knicks as they continue their playoff push.

The takeaway

Luka Doncic's challenge to the Lakers to maintain their defensive intensity could be a crucial factor in the team's success down the stretch. The Lakers have shown they can be an effective defensive team, and sustaining that effort will be key to their postseason aspirations.