Frank Vogel is a defensive-minded coach and he's bringing that type of mentality to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Speaking with reporters after the Lakers' first practice of the season on Saturday, Vogel said he wants LA's opponents this season to get “smashed in the mouth.”

“You're coming to play L.A. Lakers, you're going to get hit,” Vogel said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “You're going to get smashed in the mouth.

“I love guys hitting the floor. We're not playing hard enough if we're not doing that, but obviously you don't want to see anybody getting hurt. You know we got a lot of firepower offensively. But establish that defensive mindset of playing hard and playing tenacious and being physical. And on offense, just beginning to get organized and talking about the importance of playing for each other.”

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The Lakers have some really good defenders on the team, headlined by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, Avery Bradley, Danny Green and Rajon Rondo.

Everyone knows the Lakers are going to be a juggernaut on offense with James and Davis leading the charge. However, if LA can't stop other teams from scoring at will, they won't have a chance to compete for a championship.

Frank Vogel is sending the right message to his players. The Lakers will ultimately accomplish their goal if they play high-level defense, especially once the playoffs start.