Lakers lose LeBron to ejection in win over Pistons: Good, bad and story

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on as he is ejected from the game during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The bad from the Los Angeles Lakers’ win:

The Lakers are absolutely terrible in zone defense with their centers in the lineup.

Here’s how NBA teams can score on the Lakers at will when they are in a zone that we will officially call a 2-3 zone (Because it looks so bad we can’t be sure!).

Bring the ball up on the wing and swing it to the other side of the court.
Flash a player to the middle of the paint and pause to give a teammate a chance to cut to the basket on the baseline.
Make the bounce pass to the baseline…
Dunk the basketball.

But what’s even worse, when DeAndre Jordan is on the floor or Dwight Howard here, this is why everyone keeps begging Anthony Davis to play the center spot long term.

What saved the Lakers? Reread AD’s part again. Sure both centers scored well (Something that does not happen often!) but it doesn’t matter when they keep giving up easy baskets.

It’s time to get Talen Horton-Tucker’s rhythm and conditioning together because Avery Bradley needs to be benched!

Avery is defending guards well at times, but THT can do the same. The difference between the two is the scoring column. Talen can score every night and Avery at this stage of his career can’t. It’s understood that THT needs time to get his sea legs under him but he needs to start after Thanksgiving.

Home/Lakers News