"The film tells the truth. The Lakers are not a good defensive team, evidenced by the sight of the NBA's top guards blowing past Lakers defenders into the paint during a 10-game defensive swoon that ranks among the league's worst. Yet when coach JJ Redick shows his team the tape and then backs it up with the numbers, there's still cautious optimism that the Lakers can improve."
"In the 10 games since LeBron James returned to the lineup, the Lakers have scored 121.1 points per 100 possessions, a significant increase in their offensive rating of 115.4 during the first 14 games of the season. While their offensive rating ranks fifth in the league during the last 10 games, their 120.9 defensive rating ranks 28th. It's a dramatic increase from their previous 113.7-point defensive rating."
"The most glaring issues are the team's defense in transition and early in the opponent's offense, Redick said. The Lakers give up 1.19 points per possession in transition, fifth-worst in the league. Sunday's game in Phoenix against the Suns, who scored 28 fast-break points against the Lakers on Dec. 1, will be a significant test as the Lakers (17-7) try to avoid their first losing streak this season."
Los Angeles Lakers defense has deteriorated, ranking 28th with a 120.9 defensive rating over their last 10 games. Offense improved since LeBron's return to 121.1 points per 100 possessions, ranking fifth in that span. The team previously had a 113.7 defensive rating. The primary weaknesses are transition defense and early opponent offense, allowing 1.19 points per possession in transition, fifth-worst in the NBA. Phoenix scored 28 fast-break points on Dec. 1, making the upcoming road game a critical test. Coach JJ Redick remains cautiously optimistic and is considering roster adjustments, including more minutes for Jarred Vanderbilt.
Read at Los Angeles Times
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]