Seriously, no-frills defense isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when evaluating the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA championship credentials.
Since the Lakers’ “Showtime” heyday in the 1980s, the franchise has become synonymous with the kind of flamboyant upfront befitting a team based in the entertainment capital of the world.
However, a dismal 2021-22 season has forced the Lakers to spend their pre-season focused on rebuilding a defense that last year dropped 115.2 points per game – the third-worst total in the league.
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Two years after winning a record 17th NBA crown, the Lakers last season suffered a nasty setback, finishing with a 33-49 record and missing out on a playoff spot.
A rebuilt roster with the arrival of Russell Westbrook and the departure of several players involved in the 2020 title race is seen by many as the main reason for the collapse of the Lakers defence.
“Defense,” was LeBron James’ recent decision when asked what areas he hopes the team will improve on this year.
“Obviously you have to be able to get the ball into the hole for sure. You know, in our league, there are teams that can do that,” added James.
“But a team that can defend and get saves when needed – they’re just more successful in our league.
“The defensive side of the pitch is what we will emphasize every day.
“Understanding that we can defend, get the team hit hard, keep one shot away and then bounce back and keep the ball puts us in a position to be successful throughout the season.”
– ‘360 degree’ basketball –
Lakers coach Darvin Ham, meanwhile, said the Lakers’ defensive problems could be solved with a holistic tactical approach, describing his coaching style as “360-degree basketball.”
“You hear about this offensive guru or defensive guru – both sides of the ball affect each other,” Ham said.
“If you are able to play a great defense then your offense will look great because you are not playing against a set defence.
“If you let people score then your offense will be difficult because you are playing against an established defence.
“So you just have to be balanced.”
The Lakers have made personnel changes that reflect a focus on defense.
The arrival of veteran Patrick Beverley provided a team of elite defenders renowned for their work-rate and restlessness.
Beverley thinks the Lakers lacked the “will factor” in defense last season.
“I don’t know if they want to go down, get dirty, scratch their knees and dive in to get the ball off the ground,” Beverley said on a recent team media day.
“I will and hopefully people take it from there. That’s all I care about: leading through action.
Another thing not seen during the Lakers season is whether James and Anthony Davis can maintain their fitness throughout the 82-game campaign.
Davis played just 36 times in 2020-21, and just 40 last season.
James, Davis and Westbrook – expected to form the ‘Big Three’ capable of challenging last year’s title – ended up playing just 21 games together.
James, who turns 38 in December, said he prioritized fitness above all else in the 20th season of his NBA career.
“Just being available is the most important thing,” James said at the Lakers’ media day last month.
“Obviously, some injuries are out of control, but that’s my whole mindset. For me, as one of the team leaders, availability is the most important thing in this league – being available on the pitch.
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