Alex Caruso of the Los Angeles Lakers recently stated that he thought the team could have one of the best defenses in the NBA. Is he right in his assessment of the team?
One of the main issues for the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of last season was their poor defense.
Under Luke Walton, the Lakers definitely made strides in that area, but things on the defensive side of the ball fell apart along with the team in the second half of the season. Injuries certainly played a big part in the Lakers’ struggles on defense to end the season, but it is also something that needs to be consistent if this team wants to win a title.
One of the positions that will have to play well on the defensive end of the court is at point guard. The Western Conference is loaded with talented guards that can score 30 points a night, and the Lakers must do what they can to slow some of the elite players in the league down.
Recently, Alex Caruso commented that he believes the defense can be really good next season. Here’s what he said on Spectrum Sports Net, with text via Silver Screen and Roll.
"“I think this team could be really good defensively. I saw AD make some comments about wanting to be Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s more than capable of that. So I think we have the right guards and the right supporting cast around him to make this a really good defensive team. I think it’s just going to get to training camp and push each other and see how good we can be.”"
Caruso is certainly right about the Lakers having the ability to be one of the best defensive teams in the league this season after a strong summer. While adding a second superstar and three-point shooting was a goal of the Lakers this season, a lot of the new faces can lock in on the defensive end of the court.
Anthony Davis is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and could be among the favorites to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. At the guard positions, the Lakers also added Danny Green and Avery Bradley to their backcourt. Both of these players have the ability to shut down opposing guards, and that will be needed in the West.
While having defensive talent is important, the Lakers also have a great defensive-minded head coach in Frank Vogel to lead them. With the Pacers, Vogel had one of the best defensive teams in the league year in and year out. Hopefully, we will see the same in Los Angeles.