5 things the Los Angeles Lakers must improve on with Anthony Davis out

3. Defending the paint

The Los Angeles Lakers losing an All-Defensive big has made things tougher

As the old saying goes, defense wins championships, and if one simply looks at the numbers, it would seem that all is still well with the Purple and Gold. The team still has the top defensive rating in pro basketball and is second in points per game allowed.

But as is often the case, numbers don’t tell the whole story.

With Davis out, opposing teams have been more able to get into the paint against the Lakers, which has led to easier shots and scores.

Of course, the rebounding issue discussed in the previous slide has also contributed to L.A.’s inability to defend the paint by virtue of second-chance points near the basket.

Even worse, when opponents are able to get into the painted area undeterred, it can lead to open 3-pointers, since the Lakers will have to send over help defenders and collapse into the lane.

This is where Gasol needs to step things up. At 6-foot-11 and 255 pounds, he’s an old-school, wide-body type of center who should be able to prevent guys from driving towards the hoop.

Gasol has also always been a good shot-blocker, and now’s the time for him to step things up in that department.