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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 people that deserve most credit for no. 1 defense

By Cameron Salce

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Frank Vogel # of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on February 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Frank Vogel # of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on February 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Alex Caruso

Caruso has had a rapid rise from the G league to one of the best perimeter defenders on the Lakers and in the entire league for that matter. His humble beginnings are probably the reason he will not gain much attention for any of the all-defensive teams despite making such a big impact for the number one defensive team in the league.

Both the eye test and the numbers back up the case for Caruso being responsible for the Los Angeles Lakers defensive performance this season.

He gets in the passing lanes as much as anyone and is always willing to dive on the floor for the loose ball and give up his body to take a charge. Those plays do not necessarily show up in the stat sheet, but they do help shift momentum and motivate teammates around him to do the same.

In terms of the numbers that support him getting credit for the Lakers defensive ranking, one is his own defensive rating that ranks him in the top 50 players in the NBA in that category.

Another telling stat is how good the Lakers defensive rating gets when he is on the floor compared to when he is off it, when he is on the floor they allow 101.7 points per 100 possessions, and when he is off they allow 107.8 points per 100 possessions, that is the biggest gap between those two stats on the team.

Vogel had even more to say in regards to whether he should get more praise around the league for his defense:

"“I think it has to be worth mentioning that he has to be considered for an All-Defensive Team with the way he does everything on that side of the ball. To see him dominate on the defensive end, and take control of our offense and play on both sides just proves his value to us.”"

The most telling thing about that quote from Vogel is where he admits that Caruso has the ability to do everything on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to be in the right place more often than not on defense allows him to almost be an extension of the coach on that side of the ball, so it is no wonder for Vogel’s praise.

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