The 3 worst defenders on the Los Angeles Lakers roster this season

It was not that long ago that the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the best defensive teams under Frank Vogel. That is what fueled the team to a championship in 2020. However, constant roster turnover and mistakes by the front office have led to a team that is a shell of itself, both overall and defensively.

There are still some defensive gems on the team like Anthony Davis and Patrick Beverley but the team has lost most of its defensive identity. Letting Alex Caruso walk was a big reason why, as well as getting rid of every wing on the roster.

There are several players on the Lakers who might be attacked on the defensive end with some being attacked more than others. Using NBA Math’s Defensive Points Saved statistic, we set out to find the three worst defenders on the Lakers roster this season. The results may surprise you.

The 3 worst defenders on the Los Angeles Lakers roster:

3. Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves checks in with the third-lowest DPS among Lakers players from last season. Reaves finished with a -17.74 DPS, putting him below league average as according to this statistic, he cost the Lakers point on the defensive end last season.

To compare, Reaves ranks one spot in from of former Laker Kyle Kuzma, who was often criticized for his defense in LA and definitely did not play good defense for Washington last season. Kuzma does deserve credit for putting effort in on the defensive end, as towards the end of his Lakers tenure he was a solid defender.

Reaves was a bit raw on the defensive end and it was clear at times that the undrafted rookie was still adjusted to NBA talent and speed. That being said, the potential is there for Reaves who always left it all out on the court and showed the kind of effort that other players simply don’t show defensively.

That is half of the battle right there.