Luka Doncic’s defensive effort during the Lakers’ hosting of the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday drew praise from Reggie Miller.
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Luka Doncic helped set the tone defensively for the Los Angeles Lakers in their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
The matchup featured a renewed look at Doncic’s marquee confrontation with Damian Lillard, who has been back in action after returning from an Achilles injury.
During one stretch, Doncic helped the Lakers make a stop and then went coast to coast for a fadeaway floater.
Miller, who was covering the game for NBC, singled out Doncic’s effort on defense, saying: “Look at Luka over there. Just show me that you are trying on defense! You don't need to be Jrue Holiday. Just show effort!”
The 27-year-old has previously been criticized for his defensive engagement, with Miller among those calling for more effort on that end. The source notes Doncic has been repeatedly called out for that lack of defensive effort, including by coach JJ Redick’s system emphasis on more engagement.
Offensively in the contest, Doncic finished with 36 points on 10-of-19 shooting, along with four rebounds, nine assists and one block.
Lillard, in the same game, had 14 points on 3-of-10 shooting, five rebounds and three assists, as the Lakers trailed the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter.
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