Luka Doncic takes blame for Lakers’ loss to Suns, says no way he can have nine turnovers

Los Angeles Lakers talisman Luka Doncic took the blame for the 125-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday on his shoulders. Doncic committed nine turnovers in the match and the Slovenian admitted there is no way he can concede that many turnovers in a game.

This loss snapped the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak.

“That was my fault,” Doncic said. “No way I can have nine turnovers in a game.”

Doncic scored 20 points in the first quarter as the Lakers were tied 31-31 with the Suns. But from there onwards, things went south for the Lakers.

Doncic committed four turnovers in the second quarter, when Austin Reaves committed four of his five turnovers, as the Suns outscored the Lakers 35-21 to put their noses in front.

“I feel like it definitely was a different defense than other teams [play],” Doncic said. “Kind of trying to let me go score instead of creating for others. So, it was kind of confusing, but like I said, just can’t have it.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Suns’ Mark Williams made it difficult for Luka Doncic.

“In terms of the scheme, they never went to any sort of blitz or shock or anything like that,” Redick said. “Mark Williams did a great job of just being big. He’s got the second-highest standing reach in the NBA. So, whether it was post-up, whether it was an off-ball thing, whether it was pick-and-roll, he just was in the middle of the paint the whole time.

“And their guards did a good job of being physical and forcing us down there, and once you’re down there in that tight space, you’re not going to get the ball through, and that led to a lot of turnovers.”

Doncic finished with 38 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, whereas Austin Reaves scored 16 points. LeBron James finished with 10 points, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers.

The Lakers will next take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday.