Luka Doncic, a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has acknowledged his responsibility for the team’s high number of turnovers in their recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers were defeated 125-108, ending their seven-game winning streak and highlighting areas that need improvement.
Doncic contributed nine of the team’s 22 turnovers during the game. Afterward, he admitted fault for his performance. “Yeah, that was my fault,” Doncic said. “No way, I can have nine turnovers in a game. So, in that second quarter, instead of just getting the shots, instead of shooting the ball, I was trying to get involved. But there’s no way I should have nine turnovers.”
He also credited Phoenix’s defensive strategy for disrupting his usual playmaking ability. “I feel like definitely it was different with defense than other teams and [they were] kind of trying to let me go score instead of creating for others. So, it was kind of confusing. But like I said, you just can’t have that [many turnovers],” Doncic stated.
The Suns’ defensive pressure led to several instances where potential passing lanes closed quickly due to their rotations and ball pressure. As a result, many Lakers possessions ended in steals or deflections by Phoenix defenders.
The 22 turnovers by Los Angeles resulted in 32 points for Phoenix—a factor Doncic recognized as decisive in the outcome. He emphasized the need for improvement: “First of all, take care of the ball, obviously. Then just be more physical,” he said. “We had to make a lot of shots too, so we’ve got to welcome that too. So, take care of the ball on the offensive end and be more physical on the defensive end.”
Despite this setback on a back-to-back schedule night—a situation where teams often struggle—Doncic and his teammates understand they must address these issues if they hope to succeed against stronger opponents in future games.
In addition to Doncic’s contributions this season, Austin Reaves has also played an important role alongside him as part of one of the league’s top scoring duos. Reaves described his partnership with Doncic as seamless so far this year.
