Since LeBron James returned to the lineup on Jan. 31 against the Clippers from his left groin injury, the Los Angeles Lakers rank 27th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

Defensive efficiency is the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions. The Lakers have a defensive efficiency of 116.3 since LeBron came back.

Only the Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards have had a worse rating than Los Angeles.

It's not all James' fault, as the absence of point guard Lonzo Ball has hurt the Lakers on defense as well.

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However, James has been noticeably poor on defense this season. He's not running back in transition anymore and doesn't look engaged in the half court defense.

Maybe James is still recovering from his groin injury. Whatever the case is, James hasn't been his usual elite self on defense this season and it's costing the Lakers big time.

Barring some type of miracle happening, the Lakers are going to miss the playoffs this season. It would be the first time since his sophomore season in the NBA that James won't play in the postseason.

All of Lakers nation will be wondering what could have been this season had James not gotten hurt on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors.

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