Los Angeles Lakers: 3 weaknesses that must be fixed for a title run

By Jason Reed | Nov 1, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Team defense

It is not a shock that the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a step back defensively. The team is only carrying over three players from last year’s team, which was really good defensively, and got rid of most of its good defenders.

Alex Caruso was allowed to walk to the Chicago Bulls and he is already making the Lakers look silly. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was traded as part of the Westbrook trade and Marc Gasol, as bad as he was offensively, was still a solid defender and has since retired.

This is something that should improve when the Lakers get healthy. Talen Horton-Tucker is going to have to be a huge defensive addition for LA and the team has to also hope that Trevor Ariza can play a big role defensively. Kendrick Nunn and Wayne Ellington are not going to make it much better.

The team does not have to be one of the best defensive teams in the league but it has to be better than mediocre, which is how it is performing right now. The Lakers currently rank 16th in defensive rating and 25th in points allowed per game.

The Lakers also have not played that many good offensive teams. The Grizzlies are the only opponent thus far this season to rank in the top 10 in points per game.

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