Luka Dončić explains his 'step forward' on defense after five-steal performance vs. Raptors

The Lakers superstar leads the league in scoring, but, on Sunday, his increased defensive effort stood out Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić currently leads the NBA in scoring by an astounding 8.1 points per game, as his 37.7 ppg average dwarfs Tyrese Maxey's 29.6 ppg in second place. On Sunday night, Dončić increased that average with 45 points (along with 15 rebounds and six assists) in a 131-125 win over the Toronto Raptors, but after the game, much of the focus was on what Dončić did on the defensive end of the floor. Since he entered the league, no one has confused Dončić with an elite defender, but through six games this season, a leaner Luka has looked more engaged and improved on the defensive end for the Lakers.

Sunday night was his best statistical performance yet, as he produced five steals and drew three charges against the Raptors to give the Lakers eight extra possessions that became critical in a six-point win. That effort offered a proof point for Dončić of what he views as a genuine step forward he's taken on defense in his ninth season in the NBA. "Obviously, I'm not the best defender in the NBA, but I think this year, I really took a step forward," Dončić said (via ESPN). "Obviously, people are going