The Los Angeles Lakers are currently facing significant challenges, particularly regarding their defensive performance, as highlighted during a recent match against the Houston Rockets. JJ Redick has observed that the team’s lackluster defense is evident early in games. For instance, on Christmas Day, Redick had to call a timeout with the Lakers trailing 22-10 after the Rockets scored on ten of their first fourteen possessions. This prompt timeout didn’t yield the desired results, as Houston continued to dominate, leading to a disappointing 119-96 defeat for Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ starting lineup, which features guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, and center Deandre Ayton, was outscored by 15 points in their previous outings, showcasing troubling defensive metrics. Throughout the season, this unit has allowed an alarming 120.7 points per 100 possessions, making it one of the least effective defensive lineups in the league.
Redick didn’t hold back after the loss, emphasizing that the team’s effort and execution were severely lacking. “When we’ve done both of those things at a high level, we’ve been a good basketball team. When we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team, and tonight we were a terrible basketball team,” he explained.
Underperformance has also been evident in their rebounding; against the Rockets, Los Angeles struggled to contain Houston’s offensive rebounding, allowing them to score 68 points in the paint—a season-high for a Lakers’ opponent. Notably, Ayton’s struggles on the boards were highlighted, as he couldn’t handle defensive rebounds effectively.
As December progresses, the Lakers’ record has slipped to 4-6 this month following an impressive 11-2 November. The recurring theme of effort and execution seems to weigh heavily on the team’s performance. The absence of Reaves, battling a recurring calf injury, further complicates their situation. With both Reaves and James dealing with injury concerns and fatigue, the team’s defensive assignment has become increasingly difficult.
Dončić is aware of the need for collective responsibility in defense, stating, “All five of us on the floor need to be locked in. It’s not gonna take one guy or two guys or three guys. It’s going to take all five to be great.” The urgency for improvement is palpable as the Lakers must address their defensive inefficiencies to remain competitive in the tight race of the NBA season.
Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that small adjustments in the roster, such as integrating Vanderbilt more prominently into the starting lineup, could inject new life into the defense and improve overall team dynamics. The Lakers have the talent to turn their season around, but it will require a unified effort to regain their footing in the league.