Defensive Team Grades
Defensive Grade: F
Scoring Defense: F
When you give up over 120 points, even in today’s NBA with superspeed offenses, you are going to have a tough time winning games. This was the fourth time a team has scored at least 124 points against the Lakers this season. Their 3-point defense was atrocious, as Minnesota knocked down 48.3 percent of their attempts from deep.
Blocking/Stealing: A-
If there were any positives to the Lakers’ defensive performance it was in their defensive stats. They were pretty active in the passing lanes, coming away with eight steals. Lance Stephenson led the way with three. Their activity around the rim was encouraging with eight blocks. All eight were compiled by Ingram, JaVale McGee and James. Ingram and McGee each had three.
Rebounding: F
The Lakers efforts on the defensive glass were not where they needed to be. The Timberwolves were afforded way too many second-chance opportunities, as they pulled down 20 offensive rebounds in the game. Karl-Anthony Towns had nine by himself, as he had his best game of the 2018-19 season. Taj Gibson had five, as the Lakers rebounding struggles continued.
Fouling: F
The Lakers faced a huge discrepancy at the foul line. The Timberwolves attempted 30 free throws in the game, making 26. That was essentially the difference in the game, as the Lakers had only 15 attempts and 10 makes. 24 fouls were called against Los Angeles, as Lonzo Ball was the only player who received at least 10 minutes without multiple fouls.