With a dismal 15-18 record and three games back from the eighth playoff seed in the West, it's safe to say LA needs to establish an identity. Coach Mike D'Antoni's '7 Seconds or Less' offensive scheme gives the Lakers an offensive trademark, but it is defensively where the organisation must make a commitment.
As it stands, LA ranks fifth in points per game with 102.9 per contest. They also boast a modest 45.3 shooting percentile which, along with their 15.5 turnovers per game, could do with some improvement.
However, this component of the team will improve in time, with the veteran guidance and presence of Bryant, Nash and D'Antoni. Yet while this aspect of the Lakers will seemingly correct itself, it falls under the umbrella of blame when it comes to LA's defense.
Currently Los Angeles allows 100.8 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league, alongside abysmal defensive teams such as Phoenix and Charlotte. On the other hand, LA hovers just below the middle of the league in opponent field-goal percentage at 44.7 percent.
Due to their fast-paced offense, the Lakers are unable to contain their opponents on the opposite end, allowing 86.7 attempts per contest, which trails just Houston. So in retrospect, LA plays decent defense yet allows too many attempts due to their own swift offensive system.
Conceivably, this would not be a huge issue if LA could become increasingly successful with their sets, but as aforementioned, it will come in time.
Nonetheless, it is something that desperately needs to be addressed. The fact remains that the Lakers simply cannot defend the pick and roll. Despite having Dwight Howard as an interior presence, there is often a di...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
