LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of work to do for next season, but as Darvin Ham takes over, his priority will be on defense.

Ham shared as much in his first press conference as Lakers coach on Monday, highlighting that fans and experts alike will get to see a massive change on the Purple and Gold defensively come the 2022-23 campaign.

“Defensively is where you’re going to see us make our biggest leap,” Ham proclaimed, per Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet.

The Lakers were a good defensive team during their championship year in 2019-20. Heck, they were even no. 1 in defensive rating in 2020-21. However, things changed for the worse as the franchise dropped to 21st on defense this past campaign.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

It's clearly a huge concern for the Lakers, and Darvin Ham sees it as a problem they need to quickly address this offseason before it continues to persist.

Ham, however, is not limiting himself as a defensive coach. As he described his scheme to the media, he highlighted that it's more of a holistic approach for him.

“It’s a 360-degree coaching style. Both parts of the floor are connected…Both sides of the ball affect one another. If you’re able to play great defense, then your offense is going to look great…You have to watch the game in its totality,” Ham explained, per Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints.

The Lakers' roster and age are other issues that Ham needs to face alongside the Lakers' front office as they look to improve the team. Obviously, though, Ham is ready for the challenge.