1. A better perimeter defender
We did not give enough credit to Avery Bradley when it was announced that he would not be re-joining the team in the Orlando bubble. While nobody denied that it would have some sort of impact, I think it is safe to say that we might have undervalued what Bradley brings to the table.
Bradley is a solid perimeter defense and was a key part in the Lakers being one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. The Lakers really struggled in defending the land of three with him out of the lineup.
The Lakers’ saving grace of the Orlando bubble was two terrible shooting nights from the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams got plenty of open looks and if it was not for those games then the overall shooting percentages vs. LA would have been abysmal.
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The Lakers have good defensive players in Danny Green and Alex Caruso but there was still a noticeable difference. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was not playing up to standard and the team was really struggling with rotations and closeout defense.
On-ball defense is obviously a great thing but the Lakers should really focus on someone who thrives in matching switches on the defensive side of the ball as well as having great closeout defense (and preferably length).
There are several options available. Justin Holiday is a potential target that I love.