The intriguing trend that could turn the Lakers into true contenders in 2024-25

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. It's a fact that's been stated and reiterated throughout the Association's landscape, with ample evidence to support the belief that Los Angeles can be trusted to allow points at virtual will.

On the heels of their worst defensive stretch of the season, however, the Lakers have started a trend that could elevate them to true contender status.

Los Angeles recently endured a three-game losing streak, falling to the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns along the way. They fell 119-118 to Orlando in a heartbreaking defeat, and were blown out by margins of 127-102 by Denver and 127-100 by Phoenix.

The results sadly epitomized the issues that have the Lakers ranking in the bottom five of the NBA in defensive rating.

In the three games since, however, the Lakers have gone 2-1. They've secured wins over the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz, and lost by just eight points to the 15-5 Oklahoma City Thunder—a disappointing result, but one that came with pros to be considered.

Los Angeles has encountered opponents of varying quality over the past three games, but the constant theme has been a drastic improvement on defense.

Lakers finally figuring out how to defend at a high level?

The Lakers traveled to San Antonio and blew the Spurs out by a margin of 119-101. Seven different players were in double figures from a scoring perspective, with rookie Dalton Knecht leading the charge with 20 points and eight rebounds on 8-of-15 shooting.

In addition to thriving with balance from a scoring perspective, the Lakers held the Spurs to 42.4 percent shooting from the field and just 42 points in the paint.

Los Angeles dropped its next game, 101-93 to the Thunder, but even then the reason for optimism persisted. It continued to allow offensive rebounds at an alarming rate, but still held Oklahoma City to 101 points and marks of 40.9 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The next time out, the Lakers defeated the Jazz 105-104 in a road win that pulled its record to .500 away from home at 5-5.

Utah shot efficiently, but Los Angeles forced 15 turnovers, committed just five itself, and held the opposition to a respectable eight offensive rebounds. It was perhaps the most intriguing performance of the three, despite the Jazz dropping to 4-16.

The Lakers' defense adapted to the opposition and made the most of the opportunities it had—holding the Jazz to 48 points in the second half.

Adaptability on defense is an essential trait for any team to possess, but the Lakers have thus far struggled to display it. Thankfully, the past three games have started a trend that could propel the team to the next tier of NBA contenders.

A brutal schedule awaits the Lakers, but this improvement on defense could make it significantly easier to navigate the road ahead.