Getting back to playing smothering defense
The Lakers started the season as one of the league’s definitive best defensive squads, but in the games leading up to the All-Star break, their performances on defense began to wane.
In the 13 games before the All-Star break, the Lakers gave up an average of 114.2 points a game. Over the course of the season, the Lakers have allowed an average of 107.3 points per game.
The Lakers are still an above average defensive team, leading the league in blocks per game, and ranking in the top 10 for steals and opponent field goal percentage.
Davis, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, has been the anchor for the Lakers because of his versatility in defending multiple positions. He leads the team in blocks and steals per game.
Where the Lakers particularly faltered in those last 13 games is defending the 3-point line. In 10 of the 13 games prior to the All-Star break, the Lakers’ opponents shot at least 35.0% from the 3-point line. In this last stretch of the regular season, the Lakers will need to shore up their defense on the perimeter.
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