The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-3 to start the preseason after losing 128-107 to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and have not shown much improvement from the league-worst defense they had last season.

Fourth-year forward Julius Randle was particularly frustrated with his team’s lack of effort on the defensive end, according to Serena Winters of Lakers Nation.

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It should be noted that the Lakers were without most of their presumed starters against the Nuggets. Brook Lopez still hasn’t suited up for preseason due to his lingering back issues, Lonzo Ball had a sprained ankle, and Brandon Ingram had a head contusion.

But even without their stars, Julius Randle is probably right to expect more defensive intensity from his teammates, who need to build the habit of trying to improve in that area of their game following last season’s struggles.

Although, Randle might be wise to practice what he preaches. The Lakers forward has not been a very good defender through his first three years in the league, and has been inconsistent with the effort that he plays with on defense.

Apart from calling his teammates out publicly, Randle will need to lead by example with his play on the court to make his message resonate with his teammates.