Luka Doncic Owns Up to Turnovers After Lakers’ Streak Snapped by Suns, Eyes Bounce-Back vs. Raptors
The Los Angeles Lakers’ seven-game win streak came to a screeching halt Monday night, and while the scoreboard read 125-108 in favor of the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic wasn’t hiding from the result-or his role in it.
Doncic poured in 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out five assists, but it was his nine turnovers that stuck with him postgame. The Lakers star didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Yeah, that was my fault,” Doncic said bluntly. “No way I can have nine turnovers in the game.”
He pointed to the second quarter in particular, where the Suns threw a curveball at him defensively. Instead of attacking the open looks Phoenix was giving him, Doncic admitted he got a little too focused on playmaking.
“They were giving me the shots,” he said. “Instead of shooting the ball, I feel like I was trying to get everybody involved. But there’s no way I should have nine turnovers.”
It’s the kind of accountability you want from your franchise cornerstone-and it speaks to the high standard Doncic holds himself to, even in the middle of an MVP-caliber season.
Despite the loss, the Lakers are still sitting at a strong 15-5 on the year. Monday’s game marked the beginning of a three-game road trip, and next up is a date with the surging Toronto Raptors. Doncic was asked about the matchup-and while he admitted he doesn’t spend much time watching other teams around the league, he made it clear he’s got respect for what’s happening up north.
"Honestly, I'm not watching much of the NBA, I'm sorry," Doncic said with a smile. "I know what kind of record they [the Raptors] have, what kind of coach they have, I love him, and I know he's making them play physical basketball.”
That coach is Darko Rajakovic, and it’s clear Doncic is well aware of the identity he’s instilled in Toronto. The Raptors, currently 14-7, have been one of the more physical and disciplined teams in the East this season-exactly the kind of opponent that can test a team coming off a humbling loss.
But if Doncic’s recent play is any indication, the Lakers won’t be down for long.
Earlier this week, Doncic was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Nov. 24 through Nov. 30-his first such honor since joining the Lakers. And it was well-earned. Over three games against the Clippers, Mavericks, and Pelicans, he averaged a scorching 37.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game.
His standout performance came in the NBA Emirates Cup showdown with the Clippers on Nov. 25, where he dropped 43 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, a steal, and a block in a 135-118 win. That game was vintage Doncic-methodical, explosive, and completely in control.
For the season, he’s putting up video-game numbers: 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. And while Monday’s loss stung, it’s clear Doncic is locked in on the bigger picture.
The Lakers have been rolling, and with Doncic leading the charge, they’ve got the firepower to keep pace with anyone in the league. The Raptors will be a tough test, but don’t be surprised if Doncic uses Monday’s missteps as fuel. That’s just how he’s wired.