Despite winning 17 of their first 24 games, there is concern regarding the repeated fashion in which the Lakers have lost their games.
The Lakers have had a hot start to the season. They’ve been able to stack wins whilst battling injuries all year. But going into the season, there were concerns about the roster’s depth and defensive prowess. The Lakers currently have the lowest scoring bench in the league (24.5 PPG) and are ranked 21st in defensive rating.
They are the only team averaging less than 25.0 bench points a game and are only one of two teams (Cavaliers) averaging under 30.0 bench points.
Some of the more prominent obstacles this roster is faced with is their lack of athleticism and perimeter defense and when they face teams with those attributes, they often struggle. All of their losses this season have been by double digits.
The Suns are tough defensive team and lead the NBA in steals per game (10.8). The Spurs have agility and quick guards that proved to be tough for the L.A.’s defense to stay in front of. The Lakers haven’t been great at protecting the ball and are not a fast-paced transition team and that combination of flaws have been huge factors as to why when they lose, they get blown out.
JJ Redick Discusses the Lakers’ Defensive Issues
Coach Redick spoke with the media on Friday after practice and discussed where the team is at right now and what can improve going forward,
“We’re looking at everything. We’ve got to be serious about where we are right now…the continual failure of things has a shelf life and then you got to make changes. So we’re looking at it. But again, I have a belief in the nine guys we’ve been playing. I have a belief in the rotation”
Redick was also asked if Jarred Vanderbilt could see more of the floor soon,
“If this continues, he’ll definitely get his opportunities.”
Austin Reaves to Miss At Least One Week with Calf Injury
The Lakers announced today that Austin Reaves has a mild calf strain and will be reevaluated in about one week. The good news is that the Lakers only play twice in the next 7 days, Sunday at Phoenix and then Thursday at Utah, giving him and the team much needed rest.
The Lakers are 2-3 in their last 5 games and could use these extra days off to reset and get back into a winning rhythm.
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