Luka Doncic’s defensive effort in Lakers-Blazers grabs Reggie Miller’s attention

October 28, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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Luka Doncic looked to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their fourth straight win as they hosted the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.

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Doncic renewed his marquee matchup with Damian Lillard, who has looked great in his return from an Achilles injury.

Doncic took on the challenge of guarding Lillard. During one stretch, Doncic helped the Lakers make a stop and went coast to coast for a fadeaway floater. His defensive effort grabbed the attention of Reggie Miller, who was covering the game for NBC.

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“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!” praised Miller.

For all of his offensive brilliance, the 27-year-old Doncic has been repeatedly called out, including by Miller, for his lack of defensive effort. His two-way aggressiveness against the Trail Blazers was encouraging, but he would have to be consistent.

The Lakers are not lacking in defensive players, with Walker Kessler, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, and Jarred Vanderbilt on the roster, but it will not hurt if Doncic joins the fray.

Last season, the six-time All-NBA admitted that he needed to be more engaged on the defensive end, which has become a familiar refrain from coach JJ Redick.

As of this writing, the Lakers are behind the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter. Doncic has 36 points on 10-of-19 shooting, four rebounds, nine assists, and one block.

Lillard, meanwhile, has 14 points on 3-of-10 shooting, five rebounds, and three assists.

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