Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: How David Nwaba will increase role year two

By Lloyd Tunstill

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17: David Nwaba #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers during warm up before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 17, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17: David Nwaba #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers during warm up before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 17, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Los Angeles Lakers: How David Nwaba will increase role year two
DENVER, CO – MARCH 13: Los Angeles Lakers guard David Nwaba (10) sails over Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) as he loses control of the ball during the third quarter on March 13, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Pepsi Center. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Defense

Nwaba’s ability to lock-down opponents separated him last year. Watch these plays here. There are two major components when you watch his defense.

First off, he is excellent at sliding his feet. Notice how he is able to stay in front of Lou Williams, preventing him from driving to the basket.

Secondly, he is efficient at not fouling with body contact. This is also evident in his defense against Williams, who is one of the best in the league at drawing contact. When Williams and other opponents are in the air, Nwaba’s feet are on the ground, using his 7 ft. wingspan to contest their shots.

Who knew that sliding your feet and putting your hands up could earn you $1.3 million? Magic knew. And, according to Tania Ganguli, Luke Walton did as well.

"“It doesn’t seem like he cares about anything but winning and defense really,” Walton said of Nwaba. He’s so committed to what he’s doing on the defensive end for us. It’s really clear to see what the game is like when he’s out there and when he’s not.”"

Nwaba, a nominee for D-League Defensive Player of the Year, confirmed Walton’s comments with his play for the Lakers. When he was on the court, the D-Fenders outscored their opponents by 10.1 points per 100 possessions. For Nwaba, his defense has to be his bread-and-butter.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

In the past, we witnessed players such as Tony Allen, who made the all NBA defensive team six times make an entire career off of his defense. However, before David Nwaba can create a living for his defense, before the classic sports underdog storyline screens at a theater near you, Nwaba must first get on the court.

Home/Lakers News