Why the Los Angeles Lakers not signing Blake Griffin is a blessing

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 02: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 2, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Blake Griffin has never been a good defensive player

For years, Griffin was known as either the best or second-best player on those Lob City Clippers teams from several years ago. You could pencil him in for over 20 points a game each season, and as we all know, he was one of the most exciting players in the league thanks to all his ferocious dunks.

But like plenty of All-Stars (and honestly, plenty of players in general), Griffin has never really been that good of a defensive player.

One may argue that, for a little while several years ago, he was a decent defensive player. I don’t like advanced stats, but if you want to point to his positive defensive BPM numbers from back then, fine.

So far this season, his defensive BPM is -1.1. Last season it was even worse at -2.6. Not good at all.

The Lakers’ biggest need from another center or big man is defense, especially interior defense, and Griffin was not the man to provide that.

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