Lakers: What are the Defensive Issues?

Team Issue

November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott instructs during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The team as a whole is bad defensively.  According to NBA.com, the Lakers are fourth-worst in opponent field goal shooting within five feet.  They give up a rate of 62.6%.  Are you wondering why the Clippers aren’t looking so great?  They are second-worst at opponent field goal shooting at 63.7% within five feet.

Not only are the Lakers fourth-worst in field goal percentage up close, they are also ranked third for most field goals given up within five feet, at 19 per game.  Think about that.  The Lakers are essentially giving up 19 layups per game, contested or not.

It gets worse for the Lakers statistically.

They also allow 46.8% from 5′-9′, third-worst in the NBA.  They give up 47.5% shooting from 10′ to 14′, sixth-worst. They are third-worst at allowing made field goals from that area.

Just to sum that up, they gave up too many layups and points in the paint, with remarkable shooting accuracy.  When the opponents step on the floor, they own the painted area before the ball is tipped.

The Lakers top it off with the league worst opponent field-goal percentage allowed at 49.1%, with shots taken between 20′-24′.  That includes the three-point line at 22′ in the corners and up to 23’9″ elsewhere.

No wonder why the Lakers look so bad.  They are giving into what the modern NBA is best at, finishing in the paint and three-point shooting.  Teams get out in transition or create the space with open three-point shots.