The Lakers' defense is in shambles, and their season is at a crossroads. After a devastating loss to the Phoenix Suns, head coach JJ Redick was asked a simple question: Does his team have the players who can consistently play with effort and physicality? His blunt response? 'No.'
This isn't just a blip on the radar. The Lakers' defense has been in freefall, ranking 24th in the NBA. They've lost nine games by double digits this season, and their point differential is a meager plus-8. It's a stark contrast to last season, when they finished 17th in defensive rating.
The problem? It's not just about effort. The Lakers' defensive principles are being practiced and reviewed, but the players aren't making the right choices on the court. It's a choice between taking shortcuts or doing the hard thing, making the second effort, or sprinting back. And the Lakers aren't making those choices consistently.
The team is missing key players like Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura, but even with LeBron James and Austin Reaves back, the defense hasn't improved. It's a team effort, and everyone from the starters to the bench players needs to be locked in every possession. Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, was even more blunt, saying the team is 'being real s---ty right now.'
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers' roster might change if they don't show signs of defensive improvement. The question remains: Who will be part of the 'us' in the Lakers' locker room? The answer could be the difference between a winning season and a losing one.
