I know this is not what any Lakers fan wants to hear, but the terrible defense the Lakers played last year under coach Mike D’Antoni has actually been worse with Byron Scott. The Lakers finished last season ranked 28th in defensive efficiency with a 107.9 rating. This season they are last in the NBA with a rating of 117.4.
Granted the Lakers have only played 5 games, and granted they have faced 4 teams with a combined record of 15-4, but it’s extremely hard to overlook how inept this team is on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Scott came into the season emphasizing defense, but he has so far not been able to find an answer.
No matter how many defensive drills the Lakers do at practice the current personnel might just be too incompetent to make an impact. Per 100 possessions, 7 players on the current Lakers’ roster rank at the very bottom in defensive ratings. Out of the starting lineup, Kobe Bryant has a defensive rating of 119, Jordan Hill at 120, Carlos Boozer at 122, Wesley Johnson at 123, and Jeremy Lin is at 125. Boozer has been taking a lot of criticism lately for his lack of defensive output—and rightfully so—but he is clearly not the only player that needs improvement. Currently, Ed Davis has the best defensive rating on the team at 114.
To try and help put this a bit into perspective, James Harden, who is notorious for not playing defense, has a defensive rating of 98. Even the guy that doesn’t play defense is playing better defense than any current Laker. With the team giving up a league worst 116.8 points a game, no amount of skill and will power from the Black Mamba will help this team win games.
So how do you improve? I’m sure Scott and the rest of the coaching staff is asking the same question. More playing time for Davis might help. His play has certainly deserved a spot in the starting role, however, his presence alone won’t fix the entire problem. Unfortunately, the Lakers just don’t have anyone to anchor the defense.
One way to help the defensive is controlling the ball and spreading it around more. I know this may make me sound like Captain Obvious, but the Lakers have an assist ratio of 14.6—only the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors have a lower rating. The extra touches might help guys get into a grove and wear down opposing teams.
What do you guys think? Do you have a solution that may help the Lakers improve on defense?