Another key factor in the Lakers' 6-game winning streak! Doncic's defensive improvement stands out: his isolation defense stats surpass Amen and McDaniels.

On March 19 Beijing time, before facing the Rockets again, the Lakers had already secured a 6-game winning streak. In the previous victory over the Rockets, the most notable aspect was the Lakers' success in limiting Durant in half-court sets: this future Hall of Fame player shot only 1-for-5 in the second half and committed 6 turnovers. However, this defensive effectiveness wasn't solely due to the coaching staff's tactical planning; it relied heavily on player execution.

The Lakers have won 9 of their last 10 games, with a defensive efficiency ranking 2nd in the league, netting a plus-14.6 points per 100 possessions. They are playing their strongest basketball at the most critical stage. And Doncic—despite his dazzling offensive prowess—is equally crucial on defense.

"Overall, he is now a very good defender for us," Redick said postgame. "When he switches onto ball handlers—I'm not sure about the latest data after the last three games—but he allows less than 0.9 points per possession. Among all our perimeter players, that is, if not the best, one of the top figures. He's more active in rotations, stronger in contact within the switching system. He's intelligent and executes tactics at a high level. When he fully commits to defense, he can genuinely stop opponents. We've seen him do it against anyone in the league. We trust him."

Doncic's defensive evolution is no secret. Over the past few seasons, his defense has been steadily improving.

Since entering the league nearly a decade ago, defense has been his weak point; in the 2024 Finals, he was repeatedly targeted by the Celtics. That experience became a turning point in his relationship with the Mavericks. After joining the Lakers, partnering with offense-oriented Reaves, aging James, and the offensively-focused interior player Ayton acquired in the offseason, there were doubts about the Lakers' emphasis on offense over defense.

So far this season, the Lakers' defensive efficiency ranks only 20th in the league, reflecting the difficulty of roster construction. However, Doncic lost over 20 pounds in the offseason, significantly improving his physical condition and stamina, allowing him to perfectly fit into Redick's flexible and varied defensive system.

On paper, the Lakers don't boast many defensive specialists: rebounding and blocks rank in the lower tier of the league, and aside from Smart, they lack tough frontcourt disruptors.

What Redick has done is use system to compensate for lack of innate talent. The Lakers' defense heavily relies on: zone defense (usage frequency ranks 4th in the league), extensive switching (2nd in the league). Strong coordinated defense, trapping, and shrinking the paint. And Doncic fits perfectly into this system: his ability to disrupt shots is his biggest highlight. His shot contests per 100 possessions rank above 95% of league players, interior contests above the top 87%. Especially in isolation defense, opponents trying to target him face great difficulty:This season, in 109 isolation situations, he allows only 0.844 points per possession, outperforming Amen Thompson, Jaden McDaniels, and OG Anunoby.

He now keeps pace with ball handlers, with noticeably improved burst speed and reactions. More impressively, this is achieved while he remains an extreme high-usage offensive hub: ranking 7th in touches per game, 2nd in time of possession, 3rd in usage rate, and 1st in scoring. Advanced metrics are also top-tier: DARKO 9th, EPM 7th, LEBRON 6th.

Today's Doncic no longer loafs or coasts on defense. The coaching staff trusts him, assigning him to match up against low-usage forwards and spot-up shooters, allowing him to take risks in passing lanes.

His 4.2 steal anticipation per 100 possessions exceeds 82% of league players, with steals, blocks, and successful defense rates all excellent. He is no longer a defensive liability for the Lakers.

Entering March, with playoffs approaching, the Lakers have consecutively beaten tough opponents like the Nuggets, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Knicks. More importantly, their fourth-quarter defense consistently ranks in the league's top ten, forming a reliable closing lineup.

Doncic may never make an All-Defensive Team, but his attitude, consistency, and output on defense give the Lakers a significant advantage, also reassuring Redick and making the Lakers a formidable contender.

"Time to focus on locking down," Doncic said regarding the importance of clutch-time defense. "Winning comes down to this moment. What a team truly is also shows in this moment."