However, with 68 games left in the regular season there is plenty of time for the Lakers to make up ground and find their way back to the top of the conference. It will take several things to break their way, but it is definitely possible.
The first step is for them to improve defensively. As of Nov. 26, the Lakers rank 12th in defensive efficiency, allowing 102.3 points per 100 possessions. This is a respectable mark but will need to improve for the them to leapfrog the teams in front of them.
One way to improve defensively is to get Dwight Howard playing at (or close to) the level he showed when he was winning Defensive Player of the Year Awards in Orlando.
This video contains a play that represents an approximation of the Dwight Howard that's considered the best defensive player in the league.
When the Spurs set up to run a pick-and-roll, Howard positioned himself to deny penetration. When the ball was swung to Howard's man near the free-throw line, he recovered in time to contest what would have been a makable jump shot. After recovering, Howard was able to slide with his man who attacked off the dribble, elevated to contest his man's shot and then jumped a second time to rebound the ball.
This is elite level defense and the Lakers need more of it.
To make the push they'll need, the Lakers will also require more consistent offense. And in order to perform better, for longer stretches, on that side of the ball the Lakers need to get Steve Nash back healthy and ready to play.
With the move to Mike D'Antoni's offense, Nash's absence is felt even more severely than when the Lakers were playing under Mike ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
