The Los Angeles Lakers have shown strong offensive performances this season, with players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James leading the charge. However, the team has struggled defensively, as evidenced by all of their losses coming by double digits and allowing nearly 124 points per game in those defeats.
After a recent win against the Phoenix Suns that featured improved defense, Deandre Ayton addressed concerns about the team’s defensive effort. He said through Spectrum SportsNet: “You know, seeing the scouting report of what teams make of us was pretty embarrassing. We’re a really good offensive team, but when you start to look at those numbers in-depth and seeing over a span of games, like 10 games, it’s terrible. Tonight was a great start. From those last two practices and the film meeting JJ really got on us and basically showed us ‘y’all showing y’all ass right now and it’s time to tighten up a little bit.’ Gotta have some pride on the defensive end.”
Currently, the Lakers are ranked 20th overall in defensive rating. Their struggles extend further: they are 24th in opponent field goal percentage and 28th in opponent three-point percentage. The team also faces issues with turnovers leading to fastbreak opportunities for opponents; they rank 27th in points off turnovers allowed and 23rd in fastbreak points allowed.
Ayton serves as an important part of their interior defense but emphasized that improvement is needed across the entire roster if the Lakers hope to advance further this season. Head coach JJ Redick has called attention to these shortcomings during practice sessions and film meetings.
In a recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Ayton’s defensive performance drew praise from Redick.
