The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 110-97 on Sunday afternoon behind an exquisite performance from Luka Doncic that included drawing his 13th charge of the season. He scored 35 and had the entire team locked in on defense for a much-needed win. The Lakers took out one of the best teams in the East, and Luka was quick to credit head coach JJ Redick for convincing him to take more charges.
Los Angeles is the best team in the NBA at drawing them. Luka joins teammates Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves in the top six in charges drawn. The superstar made it clear that it was a point of emphasis from their head coach, and the players are certainly responding.
Doncic sank a 3-pointer and drew a charge on Karl-Anthony Towns in back-to-back fourth-quarter plays to ensure a Lakers victory. It was a crucial moment in the nationally televised game that helped the Lakers walk away with the victory over an elite team.
Luka scores and immediately runs to the other end to draw a charge, but they’re not gonna talk about that 😒 pic.twitter.com/reOoGw07CW
— Missy 🏄♂️ (@missysinghsongs) March 8, 2026
JJ Redick sparked Luka Doncic drawing more charges
Luka admitted he’s never been in the top ten in the NBA in charges drawn before answering this about how he’s gotten there.
“I mean, just JJ mentioned it before the season. I think we are number one in charges, which is pretty awesome. Just trying to copy Marcus (Smart) and AR (Austin Reaves).”
Luka also admitted the team keeps discussing defense and improving on that end of the floor, which is leading to the growth. Fans can listen to his full postgame interview after the win over the Knicks below.
The Lakers held the Knicks to 97 points and are tied for tenth in defensive rating over the last eight games. It has been a massive improvement on that end of the floor. The charges help, but it is just buy-in to the scheme that has created the biggest impact.
Much is made about Luka’s defense, and Stephen A. Smith wasn’t the only one crushing the team’s D early in the season. The Lakers needed time to mesh and get onboard with the schemes. Lakers fans know Doncic’s elite basketball IQ, fast hands, and size allow him to hold his own defensively when engaged.
Number 77 can’t drive the offense and be locked in on defense every possession over the 82-game regular season grind. He has to pick his spots, which can create some lowlights.
Luka is not the only one getting inspiration from coach Redick. The boss challenged Austin Reaves before Sunday’s game, and fans immediately saw the All-Star version unlocked. LA needs that Reaves to make a deep playoff run, so credit to the head coach for bringing the best out of him.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the best team in the NBA at drawing charges, and Luka Doncic gave credit to head coach JJ Redick. The superstar is sticking his nose in and creating turnovers by buying in. He has learned from Smart and Reaves, but credit to Luka for making the shift. Nobody saw it coming, but it is already paying massive dividends.