Luka Dončić gave the Lakers another dominant scoring performance Sunday night. His coach was just as interested in what happened when Toronto had the ball.

Dončić finished with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals as the Lakers defeated the Raptors 131-125 at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles improved to 5-2, with its leading scorer providing contributions that extended well beyond creating offense.

Afterward, coach JJ Redick praised Dončić’s defensive engagement, pointing to his ability to contain the ball, communicate assignments and finish possessions with rebounds.

“He’s been awesome on defense,” Redick said. “I think, even just his on ball (defense) throughout this early stretch of games has been really good just in terms of containment.”

Redick’s assessment went beyond the five steals. He described a player increasingly comfortable directing teammates within the Lakers’ defensive system.

The coaching staff emphasizes communication during film sessions, highlighting possessions when players point, talk and help organize the defense. According to Redick, Dončić has been providing examples worth showing the rest of the team.

That familiarity matters for a roster still developing its collective understanding. Recognizing an assignment is one part of defending it. Helping another player recognize the same situation can prevent a breakdown before an opponent gets an opening.

“He knows our stuff, and so he’s trying, he’s out there trying to help other guys,” Redick said.

Dončić also collected all 15 of his rebounds on the defensive end. Those possessions gave Los Angeles opportunities to move into offense without allowing Toronto another shot.

Redick also singled out Dončić’s willingness to absorb contact, describing taking a charge as an act of leadership.

For a player responsible for so much of the Lakers’ offense, stepping into an opponent’s path offers teammates another example of his commitment to winning possessions.

“I think taking a charge in general is just a form of leadership, right?” Redick said. “You’re putting your body on the line for the team.”

Dončić said he has deliberately worked to improve that part of his game. He credited himself with two charges against Toronto and explained that those plays can energize the entire group.

The value extends beyond the individual defensive stop. A charge can erase a scoring opportunity, produce a turnover and reward teammates who have stayed connected through a possession.

Dončić did not suggest that one performance should settle every criticism of his defense. He did, however, express confidence that his work this season represents progress.

“Obviously, I’m not the best defender in the NBA,” Dončić said. “But I think this year I’m really taking a step forward.”

Walker Kessler offered a similar assessment, praising Dončić’s understanding of positioning and his ability to anticipate where he needs to be.

That awareness complements the more visible contributions. Steals draw attention, but being in the correct position can also discourage a pass or help a teammate recover without creating another opening.

For the Lakers, Sunday’s performance showed how much Dončić can influence a game while carrying his usual offensive responsibilities. His scoring remained the centerpiece, but his communication, defensive rebounding and willingness to take contact gave Los Angeles additional ways to secure the win.