Lakers’ Defensive Turnaround: An Unexpected Surprise
After the Lakers made the blockbuster trade to acquire Luka Doncic, many basketball analysts and fans predicted a significant decline in the team’s defensive performance. Anthony Davis, a First Team All-Defensive player last season, had been the cornerstone of the Lakers’ defense since his arrival. Max Christie, another solid wing defender, also contributed to the team’s defensive efforts. Doncic, known for his offensive prowess but poor defensive reputation, seemed like a risky addition. However, the Lakers have defied these expectations, posting the league’s best defensive rating in the 12 games following Davis’s last appearance on Jan. 28. This dramatic improvement has been a pivotal factor in their recent success, transforming a defense that was ranked 21st before the trade into a formidable force.
JJ Redick’s Influential Scheme
A significant contributor to this defensive renaissance is the coaching of JJ Redick, who has emphasized the importance of staying connected and maintaining maximum effort on the defensive end. Redick’s scheme heavily relies on switching on screens, a tactic that not only requires elite communication but also neutralizes some of the defensive weaknesses associated with players like Doncic. This approach has allowed the Lakers to mitigate the risks of screen navigation and capitalize on the versatility of their roster. For instance, Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura have moved up in position, enabling the team to switch more frequently and effectively. Finney-Smith, in particular, has been a revelation, offering both defensive and offensive contributions that have been massively underrated. Additionally, the return of Jarred Vanderbilt from injury at the end of January has coincided with the Lakers’ defensive surge. Vanderbilt, a capable multi-positional defender and the team’s best point of attack defender, has been instrumental in holding down the wing and providing crucial support.
LeBron James: The Defensive Anchor
LeBron James’s defensive performance has been another critical factor in the Lakers’ turnaround. Despite his age, LeBron has shown a renewed commitment to defense, particularly since the middle of December. According to data from NBA data viz account Sravan, LeBron’s defensive metrics have significantly improved, ranking him in the 99.7th percentile of all defenders in isolation situations. Opponents have struggled to score against him, managing only a 3-of-23 shooting record in those scenarios. Redick praised LeBron’s defensive efforts, noting his impeccable positioning, recovery, and ability to blow up plays. "LeBron’s playing at an All-NBA defense level," Redick told reporters after the Lakers’ recent win against the Mavericks. "He doesn’t get scored on in isolation if teams do try to target him. He’s always in the right position, shifting, recovering." While LeBron may not reach peak athleticism anymore, his defensive impact is undeniable. His experience and anticipation have made him a crucial asset, especially in crunch-time situations. During the final six minutes of the Mavericks game, LeBron’s rotations and smart positioning helped the Lakers hold their opponents to just eight points, showcasing his continued defensive prowess at age 40.
The Role of Luck and Opponent Weakness
While the Lakers’ improved defense is a testament to their coaching and player efforts, it’s also important to recognize the role of luck and a relatively weak schedule. The team has faced several of the NBA’s worst offenses, including the Wizards, Hornets, Blazers, Clippers, and the Jazz twice. Anthony Edwards’s ejection in the third quarter of the recent win against the Wolves also contributed to the final score. However, the Lakers’ success shouldn’t be solely attributed to these factors. They have also defended against some of the best offenses in the league, such as the Knicks and Nuggets, holding them to respectable numbers. Another aspect of their defensive success is opponent shooting luck. The league-average 3-point percentage this season is 35.8 percent, but Lakers opponents have been shooting just 32.3 percent during the current streak. This discrepancy is more likely a matter of temporary luck rather than a sustainable trend, and the shooting percentage is expected to normalize as the season progresses.
Sustaining the Momentum
Despite the influence of luck and a softer schedule, the Lakers’ defense has shown genuine improvement. The team has implemented better defensive schemes, seen increased buy-in from players, and benefited from the addition of underrated defenders like Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt. These factors have combined to create a more cohesive and effective defensive unit. The Lakers’ offense has been consistently solid throughout the season, and now that their defense is catching up, the team presents a formidable challenge for any opponent. The key will be maintaining this momentum through the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs. The Lakers will need to continue refining their defensive strategies and ensuring that their players remain committed to the defensive principles Redick has instilled.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
The Lakers’ defensive transformation has significant implications for their playoff prospects. A strong defense can make up for offensive inconsistencies and provide the team with a crucial edge against top-tier competition. By improving their defensive performance, the Lakers have not only become a more balanced team but also a more dangerous one. The combination of LeBron’s defensive leadership, Redick’s tactical genius, and the contributions of versatile defenders like Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt has created a defensive identity that can hold its own against the league’s best. As the regular season continues and the Lakers face tougher opponents, their ability to sustain this defensive excellence will be put to the test. However, if they can maintain their current form, the Lakers could be a dark horse contender in the upcoming playoffs.
