Los Angeles Lakers: 3 factors contributing to the having the best record in the West
By Ethan Temkin
2.) Defense first mentality to start the season
For most teams heading into a new season, there are a number of things that they have to contend with. Whether it be a new coach installing his scheme, or newly acquired players developing chemistry with one another, these things take time to work out.
The Lakers had to contend with both of these things, as they had a new head coach in Frank Vogel and virtually an entirely new team via free agency and trade. While the offensive issues manifested themselves early for the Lakers, the defense has been the thing keeping them in many games, especially early in the season.
From the jump, the team has been an elite defensive unit and has maintained that dominance so far, staying in the top 3 in both defensive efficiency and net rating. However, the Lakers’ success on the defensive end shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as Vogel was the man behind those 2010s Pacers teams that gave LeBron’s Heat the biggest challenge during their four-year run.
With a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Anthony Davis, and solid perimeter defenders in Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Vogel once again has the personnel to make his impact on the defensive end.