Lakers' most glaring needs after the first wave of free agency

Perimeter Defending

A disappointing trend of working against themselves continues, as the Los Angeles Lakers were inexplicably bad on defense. Anthony Davis earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023-24, thriving in every area on that end of the floor.

Despite that fact, the Lakers ranked in the bottom half of the NBA in scoring defense, defensive rating, and opponent field goal percentage.

Davis was No. 1 among centers in three-point field goals contested and No. 15 among players, regardless of position, who appeared in at least 60 games. That might sound like a great feat on his behalf, but it actually speaks to the crucial flaw that the Lakers possess on that end of the floor.

Davis is the Lakers' last line of defense in the paint, ranking among the best rim protectors in the NBA, yet he's also somehow expected to be the team's primary perimeter contester.

If Los Angeles has any hope of improving upon their 47-win season in 2023-24, then it will need to figure out how to take pressure off of Davis on defense. That begins with the perimeter players doing a better job of contesting threes and running opponents off of the line.

If Redick is able to figure out a way to help the team improve even marginally in that regard, then the 2024-25 season could be significantly more successful all-around.