The Los Angeles Lakers' defense has been a problem, but it got even worse in their blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons to close 2025 and ruin LeBron James’ 41st birthday. They were 23rd in defensive rating coming into the game, but were 29th in December. It appeared head coach JJ Redick had unlocked something with a rotation change. The loss to the Pistons proved that wasn’t the case.
It was a layup line for Detroit on Tuesday night. They shot over 60 percent from the field and dominated in the paint. The Pistons had 62 paint points in the first three quarters, and 31 of their first 37 field goals made came in that area. The Lakers have no hopes of contending if the opposition is getting that many easy buckets.
Coach Redick has called out his players for their effort and intensity in recent weeks. It was clearly not there against the Pistons. The Lakers have struggled since LeBron returned from injury, and things are getting worse every time they take the floor.
Lakers' defense somehow keeps getting worse
Los Angeles had a 122.0 defensive rating over their last 11 games coming into Tuesday night. They struggle to contain the ball and have zero rim protection. Fans won’t be surprised to hear the Lakers don’t view Deandre Ayton as a long-term solution at the five. He is not anchoring their defense and has produced mostly empty stats.
It got worse for Ayton and the Lakers on Dec. 30. The seven-footer didn’t play with energy or intensity. He kept letting Detroit get easy buckets. It resulted in the Pistons scoring 128 points and net over 32 in three of the four quarters.
Los Angeles wants to be a serious title contender. Luka Doncic is in his prime. Austin Reaves had a superstar breakout before his calf injury, and LeBron James can still put up monster numbers. They have arguably the best star trio in the NBA, but the Lakers need to improve the role players around them. It starts on the defensive end. LA needs a 3-and-D wing and a rim-protecting center.
Those holes are nearly impossible to plug before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Lakers have just one first-round draft pick available to deal, and no team is viewing their young talent as difference-making. The front office could fill one hole, but will have to wait until the offseason to plug the other.
The Detroit Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference. There is no shame in losing to them, but how the Lakers did it was pathetic. They lacked energy and effort on the defensive end of the floor. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia combined for seven steals, but they can’t be difference-making without all five players being locked on defense. LA did not have that on Tuesday night, and the game felt over shortly after it started.
Their defense is atrocious. Head coach JJ Redick keeps calling the team out, but it is not working. LeBron looks disinterested. Deandre Ayton doesn’t play with enough effort or offer the required help. Luka Doncic is a subpar defender. The Lakers have a lack of talent on this end of the floor, but their play makes it significantly worse.
There are zero answers at this point. The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense keeps getting worse, and it could quickly derail the season. The calendar flips to 2026 before their next game. Hopefully, the new year helps the Lakers lock in and play with more effort. Fans shouldn’t expect it, but it never hurts to dream.