When the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship in the Bubble, their defense was phenomenal all throughout the season. With 12 new players on their squad, their additions are not that known for their defensive prowess. Moreover, the acquisition of Russell Westbrook forced the organization to sign role players on minimum deals because of the lack of cap space.
With the departure of spectacular defenders in Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, their defense has dropped to 18th in the league. As a perennial championship contender, their defense must improve to at least top 10 because the pace slows down come playoff time and teams focus on just one opponent in a series. With the vast difference in personnel, it will likely be tough for the Lakers to be sensational defensively with their current crop of players.
Lakers Defense Issues
James, Westbrook not the same defensively
In the previous iterations of rosters led by LeBron James, he had the initiative and ability to lead the charge defensively as well. From one through five, he could clamp down on anyone at any given time, but with his age and injuries, he needs help already with the perimeter defense.
With James on the floor this season, the Lakers are possessing a defensive rating of 109.7, which is subpar compared to other teams. The performance of the Lakers has slightly increased with Westbrook on the floor with a 107.7 defensive rating. These numbers are not acceptable for a franchise that has serious championship aspirations this season. Opponents tend to look for them on switches and attack them toward the rack or shoot a jump shot on their face.
Lack of wing defender that is terrific offensively as well
Caruso, Caldwell-Pope, and Danny Green were spectacular in their stints with the Lakers because they are dangerous options with their wing and corner threes. There are instances when they could drive it to the rack as well or attempt a one-dribble pull-up jumper. However with their current lineup, these players thrive on either just offensive or defensive.
Head coach Frank Vogel decided to insert Kent Bazemore in the first unit to begin their campaign, but he has been benched for Wayne Ellington already because his shooting percentages have been atrocious. On the other hand, playing Ellington and Malik Monk more minutes increases the spacing on the floor, but it exposes her defensive weaknesses as well. For instance, the Lakers surrendered 130 points to a Boston Celtics squad that has been struggling offensively throughout the season.
Deciding to let go of their defensive stalwarts is a worrisome approach for the Lakers, but there is still time to acquire new faces before the trade and buyout deadline or inspire their current players to enhance their defensive capabilities.
Interior defense
Signing DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard to bolster interior defense seems like a brilliant decision, but they are way past their prime already. Both individuals do not possess the same athleticism and shot blocking prowess anymore, thus making them a mismatch for offenses that play a small-ball lineup. Guards and wings force either Jordan or Howard to switch on them in pick and rolls, and bring them away from the paint.
Anthony Davis is a top five defender in the league, but he cannot excel defensively on his own. The Lakers have been giving up the second worst points in the paint at 50.9 a game. Vogel has adjusted by starting Davis at center, but that has not improved their defense yet. When the Lakers play two bigs together, it makes it tough for them to run back on defense as well which may be the reason why they surrender 13.8 transition points a game, 26th in the NBA.
The Lakers have surprisingly the second fastest pace in the association, but they are only 27th on defensive rebound percentage. With the size and abilities of their big men, it is inexcusable to tally these sort of numbers for the struggling Lakers.
With James back on the fold, they may still need several weeks to find the chemistry of their roster. It is understandable for them to have trouble offensively, but with Vogel known for his defensive system, it is disappointing to see the Lakers struggle badly on defense. Now, it is Vogel's job to look for the combinations and schemes for his team to flourish on both ends of the court and return as one of the best squads in the Western Conference.
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