Lakers Luka Doncic leads NBA in defensive stat

Entering Wednesday’s game against the Kings, Luka Doncic was leading the NBA in defensive two-point field-goal percentage as the primary defender (21.9%) with a minimum 30 attempts defended.It’s an eye-popping stat for Doncic, who is known for his wizardry on offense but who has been a lighting rod for criticism on defense over his eight-season career.Doncic is having an early MVP campaign, averaging a league-leading 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers (7-2).He has been making notable contributions on defense, too.Doncic recently had five steals and three drawn charges in a 131-125 win over the Raptors on Nov.1, becoming the first player to record those defensive marks in the same game since player tracking began in 2013-14, per ESPN Research.

“Obviously, I’m not the best defender in the NBA, but I think this year I really took a step forward,” Doncic said Nov.1.

“Obviously people are going to talk what they want to talk [about] me.But I know, and my team knows, that I’m better this year.”Doncic has scored 40 or more points in five of his last six games, including leading the Lakers to a 116-103 win over the Kings on Wednesday.

Doncic was recently asked in a tongue-and-cheek manner if he’d rather win the MVP award or Defensive Player of the Year.“Both,” he said, flashing a wide smile....