Luka Doncic Thinks No One 'In the World' Can Guard Him, Lakers' JJ Redick Says

Nobody can accuse Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić of lacking confidence.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Wednesday the five-time All-Star "thinks there’s not a person in the world who can guard him."

Dončić's self-belief is certainly earned. He was a first-team All-NBA honoree in his second season and has maintained that level throughout his career.

Between suiting up for the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks this year, the 26-year-old has averaged 28.2 points on 45.0 percent shooting along with 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists.

Dončić's supreme confidence does have one drawback, though.

His usage rate (35.5 percent) is on pace to be the highest all time. One consistent critique is he might be too ball-dominant, which slows the game down and throws his teammates out of rhythm.

Despite joining a roster with LeBron James, Dončić's usage rate with L.A. (34.5 percent) is tracking pretty closely to his career number. The early returns from his Lakers run are encouraging, but the playoffs will present a much different test.

Starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, opposing coaches will have more time to devise defensive schemes with Luka in mind. Postseason basketball isn't played at the same tempo, either, as each individual possession becomes more valuable.

In a one-on-one situation, there aren't many players you'd take ahead of Dončić. But he and Redick know the Lakers' path to playoff success requires more than iso ball for 48 minutes.