Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from win against Phoenix Suns

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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers on November 13, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Defense

The Lakers’ defense has been all over the place so far this season. While the team ranks in the top half for opponent shooting percentage at 44.6 percent, it ranks seventh-worst in opponent field goals made per game at 40.3. Similarly, the team ranks in the top half for opponent free throws attempts per game at 22.1, but ranks in the bottom three for opponent field goal attempts per game at 90.3.

Last night, however, the team was all over the Suns. Phoenix attempted a whopping 95 field goals, but only converted on 37 of them. Furthermore, the Lakers guarded the perimeter greatly as the Suns shot 26.9 percent from deep.

Most impressively though, the Lakers held the Suns’ bench to 25.8 percent shooting. This also included holding three of the five bench players without a field goal. Additionally, Mike James – who was also on the bench – shot a miserable 2-for-10 for the night.

As turnovers and three-point shooting remain weaknesses for the Lakers, it is definitely relieving to see the team pick up its slack on the defensive end.

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