Luka Doncic believes he has taken a major step forward as a defensive player and demonstrated as such during the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Toronto Raptors.

Doncic racked up 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and shot 12-of-23 from the field as the Lakers held off a late Toronto surge for a 131-125 victory on Sunday.

That win improved the Lakers to 5-2 on the season and got them back to winning ways after going down to the Golden State Warriors in their NBA Cup opener.

Doncic's haul was his third of at least 40 points in the last four games, but afterwards, he preferred to focus on his defensive contributions. 

The NBA's leading scorer forced eight turnovers during the contest, in addition to five steals and three charges drawn, having seen his defensive work criticised in the past.

The Slovenian said afterwards: "I'm not the best defender in the NBA, but I think this year, I really took a step forward.

"Obviously, people are going to say what they want to say about me. But I know, and my team knows, that I'm better this year."

Luka's been hoooopin' https://t.co/7isl0F3B1t

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 2, 2026

Doncic's head coach J.J. Redick also felt the charges Doncic drew showcased his willingness to do the dirty work. 

"I think taking a charge in general is just a form of leadership, right? You're putting your body on the line for the team," Redick said. 

"He's trying to win. You see the competitiveness come out so many times on the offensive end, but he's competitive on the defensive end, too."

Doncic and the Lakers are back in action against the Miami Heat on Monday, with further games against the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons to come during a busy week.