It was mere weeks ago that the Los Angeles Lakers were arguably the most dominant team in the NBA. Between Jan. 21 and Mar. 6, the Lakers compiled a league-best record of 18-3 while ranking No. 1 in the association in defensive rating and No. 3 in net rating.
Unfortunately, the past three weeks have been defined by injuries and a dramatic decline on the defensive end of the floor—an issue Luka Doncic is looking to rectify.
Los Angeles is 3-7 over its past 10 games, sliding down the standings with the playoffs just 11 games away. The most recent result did little to inspire faith, as the Lakers fell 118-105 to the Orlando Magic despite leading at halftime.
In a recent post-game press conference, Doncic called the Lakers out for playing as though they're satisfied with their success on defense at a time when consistency is crucial.
"I think we just gotta look back at the way we played on that eight-game winning streak. We were physical. We played like a hell of a defense. I think we just got a little bit satisfied, so we can't afford that right now."
Doncic continued, explaining that everyone needs to step up, but he and LeBron James carry an unavoidable burden as leaders.
"I honestly think it should be not just one person, it should be everybody...I think me and Bron, we should be the guys to do that. That's on me. Obviously I've got to do better. I've got to talk more. I think I talked in the first half [against Orlando] and then kind of voiced down. I shouldn't do that."
Doncic taking accountability for his personal shortcomings and accepting the burden of leadership is a promising sign for the Lakers' future.
Luka Doncic takes accountability, commits to improvement
Los Angeles is not only 3-7 over its past 10 games, but a shell of its former self on defense. Since this stretch began on Mar. 8, the Lakers rank No. 23 in defensive rating, allowing 119.3 points per game while scoring just 112.2—thus creating a negative net rating of 7.1.
Injuries have played an undeniable part, with Rui Hachimura and LeBron James missing all but two of those outings, but the results are concerning nonetheless.
The past two games have been played with Hachimura and James back in the lineup, but the results have yet to change. They fell 118-105 to Orlando and 146-115 to the Chicago Bulls, each time falling to pieces during the second half.
Los Angeles trailed Chicago by just three points at halftime and led Orlando by two, but were outscored 81-53 and 60-46 in the second half of the respective losses.
Allowing 141 points during the second halves of a two-game span is about as concerning a development as one will find. There's an obvious rust factor as Hachimura and James return from injuries that kept them sidelined for multiple weeks, but the team is playing at an abysmal level overall.
Doncic taking the lead and putting the burden of improvement on the shoulders of himself and his co-star, however, could be the impetus to change.
Los Angeles will have their next chance to make a statement when they travel to face the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, Mar. 26. It'll be a tall task, as Indiana is one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, ranking No. 9 in offensive rating.
If Doncic and the Lakers manage to turn things around on defense against a team of the Pacers' caliber, however, it could spawn an immediate improvement.
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