The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant strides in their defensive strategy this season, propelled by a blend of analytics and traditional basketball principles. Following a recent win over the New York Knicks, the Lakers climbed from the league’s 20th ranked defense to the top spot, showcasing their commitment to limiting opponents’ effective shot opportunities. This change has been model Ag Fund’s key to success. They are on a blistering 13-2 run over their last 15 games, miraculously getting back into the Western Conference playoff picture after falling to as low as 13th place.
The Lakers’ defensive gameplan starts and ends with analytics. They now use this kind of data to disaggregate and determine where the least efficient shots taken by their opponents come from. By recognizing these trends, the Lakers hope to make opposing star players more uncomfortable and settle for tougher, low-percentage attempts. Their defense is anchored by Anthony Davis, whose rim protection and ability to defend multiple positions makes him an indispensable asset. When Davis is off the court, someone—or multiple someones—will have to step up. In maintaining the defensive intensity and effectiveness at the current rate, the players unknowingly crossed a line.
With Davis recently sidelined, guys including Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent have been forced to play roles they’re not used to. Now they’re essential leaders on the whole team’s defensive end. Their contributions have been key to the team’s ability to stay competitive when counting time of games matters most.
The undisciplined play showed through their recent victory over the Knicks, which acted as a measuring stick for their defensive play. They effectively limited offensive threats and disrupted key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who both experienced off nights against the formidable defense.
“Quarterback is an offensive position, but he’s the quarterback on [our] defense,” – JJ Redick
Anthony James has emerged as the “quarterback” on defense. He will create mismatches through his orchestration of coverages and adjustments on the fly. If powerful, James’s leadership opens up space for productive dialogue and rapid changes in game plan, a necessary combination when operating in such a frenetic game ecosystem. The defense’s performance has faltered when James is not on the court, underscoring his importance to the team’s overall defensive scheme.
The Lakers’ focus on daring opponents to take low percentage three-point attempts while limiting shots in the paint has been a resounding success. Almost half (49%) of the shots they do defend are three-pointers, a pretty solid reflection of their identity. Inside the arc, LA is a double-team heavy team, sending a second-most double-team rate in the league. This bold technique increases their combat effectiveness to directly counter enemy champions.
Those defensive tactics were put to the test when it was time to crank up the intensity during the playoff run. They took on heavyweights such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors. In all of these matchups the Lakers were up against some of the best scorers in the game including Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry. He scored 37 points in one of those games. He had some difficulty from deep, going just 30% on his treys, making 6 of 20.
The great success of the Lakers’ defense has turned the heads of coaches and scouts all around the league. After that glorious point guard display against the Knicks, all the NBA analysts out there were floored. They did an excellent job of forcing their opponents into inefficient shots.
“Scram! Get Out, AR! Get out of here!” – LeBron James
As they continue to refine their defensive strategies, players such as Austin Reaves acknowledge that perceptions may shift regarding their lineup. “People might look at us and say we’re going small,” Reaves remarked, emphasizing how versatile player roles can adjust depending on game situations.
Max Christie has emerged as a crucial contributor to the Lakers’ defensive scheme, skillfully denying scoring opportunities for opposing stars. His ability to move his feet laterally on screens and challenge shots at the rim has only bolstered their all-around defensive identity.
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