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Los Angeles Lakers: Three stats that explain the team’s hot start

By Addam Goldman

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. Third Quarter Defense

The Lakers feature seven regular rotation players who have a defensive rating below 100.

  1. Dwight Howard: 88
  2. Anthony Davis: 92
  3. Alex Caruso: 94
  4. LeBron James: 95
  5. JaVale McGee: 98
  6. Avery Bradley: 98
  7. Danny Green: 99

Last season nobody on the Purple and Gold had a DEFRTG under 100. JaVale McGee was 1st on the squad at 104.

When you compare last season’s defensive statistics to this year’s figures, it’s easy to see how much of an impact Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and a well-rested and uninjured LeBron James make. Plus, Frank Vogel is one of the best defensive minds in the NBA.

Overall the Lakers have the number one rated defense in the NBA.

  1. Los Angeles Lakers: 96.3
  2. Utah Jazz: 97.4
  3. Oklahoma City Thunder: 98.1
  4. Miami Heat: 98.2
  5. Orlando Magic: 99.0

Except for the Lakers’ most recent game against the Spurs, there has been a growing trend throughout most of LA’s early contests; LA either falls behind during the first half or enters the break with a slim lead.

There are two explanations for this pattern.

1. The players on opposing squads have had a little extra adrenaline pumping through their veins when they face the Lakers. These men get hyped to play against LeBron James and Anthony Davis in front of a worldwide audience. The slight adrenal high Lakers competitors get when they’re in the same building as LBJ and AD gives them a little extra lift on their jumpers and additional focus.

So, there have been several instances when attacking players have taken incredibly difficult shots (i.e., crossover 3-pointers, or 10-foot running floaters, or long-range 2-pointers with a hand in their face) and they have gone in. By the time the third quarter rolls around, the opposing players’ legs have tired out, and their adrenal boost has run its course, so the tough shots that went in early, start to hit the rim instead.

2. The Lakers haven’t closed out on shooters very well during the first half. There have been many instances throughout the early stages of the Lakers’ first six games when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Troy Daniels, Quinn Cook, and LeBron James haven’t run full speed at their assignment beyond the arc with 100 percent aggression.

However, once the second half begins, the Lakers have been a nightmare on defense.

Even after the Lakers gave up 29 3rd quarter points in San Antonio, they still have the best Third-quarter defensive rating in the NBA, and it isn’t even close.

  1. Lakers: 88.2
  2. Suns: 92.7

The Lakers have shut opposing squads down during the third quarter, turning early deficits into leads and eventual victories.

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