The Lakers worry about more than their poor defensive effort against the Spurs. They also recognize the rise of a strategy that could spread across the NBA. JJ Redick explained that San Antonio used this defensive plan, even without Victor Wembanyama, and that the Suns had applied it days earlier. Both teams disrupted Los Angeles by using the same method to limit Luka Doncic.
Redick accepted responsibility and pointed to the lack of impact from the bench. He even mentioned specific names and described the absence of offensive support in recent games. “Jake (LaRavia) played eight minutes, Gabe (Vincent) had one shot, Rui has had a couple of games including today with four shots,” the coach said. His analysis also connected to the loss against Phoenix, where they first noticed a defensive pattern that is now repeating.
🟡🟣 La nueva moda para defender a Doncic? 🤔
JJ Redick, aparte de reconocer los problemas defensivos de los Lakers, se refirió a una nueva manera de defender a Doncic que ha visto últimamente [abro hilo] 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/iPyLo32Kw2— Toni Canyameras (@Canyameridis71) December 11, 2025
According to the report from Mundo Deportivo, the Suns used a deep drop coverage that disrupted the offensive creation of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Redick explained it clearly: “It was similar to the Phoenix game (a 108-125 loss), where they played a deeper drop, forcing Luka and Austin Reaves into those shots in the paint but not near the rim.” He added that opponents do not need to put two defenders on the ball. He also noted that this coverage allows teams to defend two-man actions without weak-side help.
A system that isolates Doncic and reduces collective damage
The purpose of this defense is to disconnect Luka Doncic from his teammates by inviting him to attack alone. Phoenix already confirmed that the method works, even with the Slovenian scoring 38 points. The deep positioning of the center also takes away the lobs Doncic loves to throw to his bigs. Williams and Kornet protected the paint and forced him into uncomfortable finishes.
Doncic has acknowledged a key tactical truth from the past: “I love double-teams,” but this new trend eliminates that scenario. No Lakers player is left open, and there are no rotations he can punish. Redick accepted the challenge: “We have to figure it out, of course.” The NBA studies every move of No. 77, and now a new tendency is emerging specifically designed to limit him.
