It's been an excellent two-week stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers after acquiring superstar Luka Doncic. Despite a drama-filled exit from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic is growing more comfortable with his new teammates, helping lead the Lakers to a six-game winning streak and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
This suddenly looks like a roster capable of making a deep postseason run, though it admittedly hasn't all been smooth sailing. Doncic has struggled with shooting efficiency and protecting the basketball, two areas he'll need to tighten up before the playoffs.
Head coach JJ Redick knows that the ultimate ceiling of this team depends on Doncic. After beating the crosstown rival Clippers on Sunday night, Redick was sure to highlight Doncic's turnovers despite heaping plenty of praise on him.
Luka Doncic over his last five games:
— Real Sports (@realapp_) March 3, 2025
26.4 PPG
9.2 RPG
7.6 APG
2.4 SPG
Lakers are 5-0 in that span. pic.twitter.com/t3vT1s72KX
JJ Redick Wants Luka Doncic to Reduce Turnovers
Doncic turned the ball over six times for the second straight game and third time overall since joining Los Angeles, and Redick's comments made it clear that six is too many.
"It just seemed like throughout the game, when we needed a bucket, when we needed him to draw a second, third defender at times, he was able to make the right play — minus the six turnovers," Redick said according to The Athletic.
He's right that Doncic typically made the right play. He had nine assists while drawing extra defenders but still put up 29 points thanks to five three-pointers. Calling out his six turnovers though, ensures that Redick's new star player still recognizes the finer areas in which he can improve.
Doncic is averaging 3.8 turnovers per game, which is a natural consequence of having the ball in his hands so much, yet he still needs to find ways to avoid those mistakes against the best defenses in the NBA.
It does help matters that Doncic has been active on defense himself. He has multiple steals in four of his last five matchups and clearly looks energized by his new surroundings. As Doncic gets to know his teammates more, that level of familiarity and comfort will only improve.
The Lakers need the best version of Doncic down the stretch. Hopefully when the Lakers take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night Doncic heeds his coach's words and protects the basketball.