The Los Angeles Lakers were dominated by the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, and their perimeter defensive woes were on full display. Head coach JJ Redick wasn’t afraid to call out the problem. Charlotte scored 30-plus in every quarter and netted 135 for the game. They shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent on their 3-point attempts. Fans knew the Hornets presented a problem that the Lakers currently have no answer for.
LA lacks a perimeter defensive stopper to check the league’s best shot creators. Teams like the Hornets with LaMelo Ball are a problem for this team. He can get into the paint and force the Lakers into defensive mistakes. It was on full display on Thursday night as the Hornets destroyed the Lakers.
There are multiple defensive issues for Los Angeles. Rob Pelinka must make a trade to upgrade the talent, but even that won’t be enough. Coach Redick was clear about his team’s struggles and how they must be better on the perimeter and get more help on the backline.
JJ Redick says Lakers are struggling to defend on the perimeter and at the rim
The Lakers’ defense has been a problem all season. They sit 25th in defensive rating, but the problems grow exponentially against dynamic creators. Coach Redick said exactly what LA’s problems are after the loss to the Hornets.
“Against certain teams that have dynamic drivers, we can be a little bit cautious guarding the ball. If we do get beat off the dribble, then we are in rotation. I thought our low man was awful all night.”
Redick gave credit to the Hornets’ offense and applauded his team’s fight. It was a hot shooting night for Charlotte, and the Lakers simply couldn’t overcome it.
Los Angeles can’t just accept the made shots. They need to figure out ways to stop the ball and make better rotations. The Lakers were forced to go small in the second unit with Jaxson Hayes out. That will create rim protection issues. LA must be better on the perimeter and in the paint if they want to be serious contenders.
Deandre Ayton is not the rim protector the Lakers need. His energy and effort fluctuate on a nightly basis. James Worthy noted the team consistently needs more from him after a recent win, but they aren’t getting it. If Ayton locks down the rim, the perimeter defensive issues would be less problematic. It is easier said than done, but the Lakers must improve their rim protection.
Short of trading for a 3-and-D wing, they will struggle at the point of attack. Marcus Smart is their best option, but he is no longer the lockdown option fans remember from his Celtics days. Smart is best guarding on the wing as he has lost a step. Players like LaMelo Ball will be able to get downhill against the Lakers. It is on coach Redick and the front office to solve this issue.
The purple and gold can’t go into the playoffs like this. They are matchup dependent at this point. Fans know the Lakers will struggle mightily on defense whenever the opposition has a dynamic creator. That is nearly every team in the NBA, especially when we reach the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a serious problem. Head coach JJ Redick was not afraid to call it out, but his team must fix it. It will likely take a trade, buy-in from his players, and a willingness to change. Getting all that won’t be easy, but the Lakers must if they want to seriously contend. Stay tuned to see if it happens.