Luka Dončić reveals why he favored doubles teams

The Los Angeles Lakers were thrive with their dynamic duo leading the chargeimproving to 9-4 on the season. Luka Dončić puts up MVP-caliber numbers while drawing constant attention from defenses, but turns that pressure into an advantage for his team.

After the Lakers’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with 118:104 in the group game of the NBA Cup, Doncic spoke to the media about his approach for handling double teams. When asked about his decision-making process against blitzes, the five-time All-NBA selection explained his simple philosophy.

“I always accept the double, I love the double. It forces you to play four on three,” Doncic said via Spectrum SportsNet.

“I always take the double, I love the double. It makes you play 4v3.”

Luka Doncic (24 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds) talks to the media after the 118-104 victory over the Pelicans in the group game of the NBA Cup. pic.tvitter.com/dcnnNITpKE

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 15, 2025

The 26-year-old quarterback has his thought process interrupted when the defense sends in some extra help. He emphasized that the math favors the Lakers when opponents commit two defenders to him.

“I think we have amazing looks, great looks. I think we missed a lot of open shots,” he said. “I think we honestly could have won by 50 points today, but you know, if you’re open, you’ve got to shoot no matter what.”

Doncic finished the game against the Pelicans with 24 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Austin Reeves was the best with 31 pointsdirect benefit from the attention that Dončić commands. DeAndre Ayton also enjoyed the opportunities created, recording 20 points and 16 rebounds.

When asked about passing and reading the floor, Dončić was direct.

“I just see a lot, I guess. I try to like playing chess in a game,” he said. “Those layups, those seals, you know, that helped us a lot if they want to double my half court. We’re going to have open space to create anything, so we just have to be determined and score the basketball.”

The approach has paid dividends for the Lakers. They are near the top of the league in offensive efficiency, and Doncic is averaging 33.7 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game in the first nine contests.

His chemistry with Reaves continues to develop, giving the Lakers a dynamic backcourt that thrives when defenses overcommit to stopping Doncic. The results speak for themselves as Los Angeles sits atop the Pacific Division.