The film tells the truth. The Lakers are not a good defensive team, as evidenced by the sight of the NBA's best defenders streaking past Lakers defenders into the paint during a 10-game defensive swoon that ranks among the worst in the league.
Still, when coach JJ Redick shows his team tape and then backs it up with numbers, there's still cautious optimism that the Lakers can improve.
“I don't think there's anyone in this conference room who thinks we're a good defensive team right now,” Redick said, “but I also don't think there's anyone in this conference room who thinks we can't be a good defensive team. We need to get better.”
In the 10 games since LeBron James returned to the lineup, the Lakers have scored 121.8 points per 100 possessions, a significant increase from their 115.4 offensive rating through the first 14 games of the season. While their offensive rating ranks fifth in the league over their last 10 games, their defensive rating of 120.9 ranks 27th. This is a sharp increase from their previous defensive rating of 113.7.
According to Redick, the most glaring issues are the team's defense in transition and when the opponent's offense starts. The Lakers are giving up 1.19 points per possession, fifth-worst in the league.
Sunday's game in Phoenix against the Suns, who scored a 28-point fast break against the Lakers on Dec. 1, will be a major test as the Lakers (17-7) try to avoid their first losing streak of the season.
Led by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves (who is out at least a week with a left calf sprain, the team announced Friday) and the 40-year-old James, the Lakers are not destined to be a fast team on both sides of the floor. They were outclassed by San Antonio's dynamic backcourt, led by the speedy De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, who combined for 50 points Wednesday, while the Spurs scored 27 fast-break points to knock the Lakers out of NBA Cup contention.
Losses like these exposed the Lakers' lack of speed on the perimeter, but the team also showed brilliance against top defenders. The Lakers held 76ers star Tyrese Maxey to five points on 2-of-6 shooting in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' four-point win over Philadelphia on Dec. 7.
“It's less of a scheme. There's a little more urgency,” guard Gabe Vincent said. “A little more doing the little things. If you don't do them, like I said, there are some great players in this league that will expose you.”
One of the team's best defense options is on the bench. Forward Jared Vanderbilt has played just three minutes in his last 10 games. He entered the game against Philadelphia only after Jake LaRavia took a hit to the face that knocked out a tooth.
Vanderbilt, an athletic forward, has been a consistent force on defense throughout his career but has struggled to contribute on offense. Although he impressed coaches with how hard he worked in the offseason to improve his shooting and ball-handling, Vanderbilt made only four of 14 3-point shots in the first 14 games. He averaged 5.6 rebounds per game before James returned to the lineup on November 18, benching Vanderbilt.
Before the Lakers' last game against the Suns, Redick said that with James returning, part of the game was about the numbers and felt the team would settle for a nine-man rotation. According to Redick, Vanderbilt had tasks it “needed to consistently accomplish in order to play” even before James returned.
Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox scored on Lakers guard Luka Doncic as teammates repeatedly drove past their defenders during Wednesday's NBA Cup game at Crypto.com Arena.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
But making changes was difficult at the time, the coach admitted. The Lakers are on a seven-game winning streak. But they are 2-3 in their last five games, exposing their defensive struggles and coaches are “looking at everything.”
“If this continues,” Redick said Friday, “he'll definitely get his opportunity.”
After Friday's practice, Vanderbilt remained on the court, hitting extra 3-pointers with the team's staff.
Meanwhile, Reeves will be evaluated in about a week, the Lakers said after practice.
The guard, who averages 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds, led the Lakers in total minutes played as the team weathered periods without James and Doncic. Reeves responded with the best start of his career. He ranks ninth in the NBA in scoring and could be on track to earn his first All-Star nod as he makes a major contract decision this offseason.
Reaves will miss at least Sunday's game against Phoenix, Thursday's game against Utah and the Dec. 20 game against the Clippers. After another game in Phoenix on December 23, the Lakers begin a streak of five straight home games, starting with a Christmas Day decider against the Houston Rockets.
Etc.
The Lakers assigned guard Bronny James to the G League on Friday.
