Dwight Howard recently talked about the Los Angeles Lakers having the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
With training camp underway for the Los Angeles Lakers, there has been a noticeable buzz surrounding the team.
After a great summer, the Lakers are poised to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Los Angeles was able to accomplish a few of their goals this offseason, as they got a second star and surrounded their duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis with players that can shoot an play defense.
One of the notable additions for the Lakers on the defense was the signing of Dwight Howard. After DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL, the Lakers signed Howard to a non-guaranteed contract.
Howard was once one of the best defensive centers that we have ever seen in the NBA. Since he isn’t in his prime anymore, those days are obviously gone. However, he can still be a valuable asset on that end of the court.
Recently, Howard talked about the Lakers’ potential to be a great defensive team. Here’s what he said via Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll.
"”I think we could be the best defensive team in the league,” Howard said"
With the additions that the Lakers made and their new head, Frank Vogel, Howard is certainly right about the defense.
Having perimeter players like Avery Bradley and Danny Green will be great weapons in a Western Conference that is loaded with talented guards. On the inside, the Lakers have some great rim protectors with Davis, Howard, and JaVale McGee.
As a coach, Vogel is one of the best defensive minds in basketball. He was able to lead an Indiana Pacers team to the Eastern Conference Finals with strong play on that end of the court.
Overall, the Lakers will have to be locked into playing hard on the defensive side. While schemes are important, a lot about defense just comes down to effort. Hopefully, the Lakers buy into playing tough defense on a nightly basis.