The Los Angeles Lakers are on quite the roll, having recently turned their season around with impressive defensive play and consecutive victories. After sweeping the Sacramento Kings with back-to-back wins, they have emerged as one of the league's top defensive teams over the past weeks, which has been pivotal to their success.
On Saturday, the Lakers secured a 103-99 win against the Kings, thanks largely to LeBron James' standout performance, where he scored 32 points. This victory completed the sweep of their two-game series, and it followed another solid outing on Thursday, where they beat the Kings 113-100. The duo of James and Anthony Davis has been instrumental, as Davis contributed with 10 points and 15 rebounds on Saturday, marking his 642nd block—surpassing Kobe Bryant for fifth-most in franchise history.
But it hasn't just been offense; the Lakers have dramatically improved their defense as well. Early in the season, the team found themselves struggling defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league. Head coach JJ Redick openly acknowledged the team's defensive limitations due to injuries but noted the changes since then. "Yes and no," Redick responded when asked about their defensive ceiling. "I felt coming from the year we could be top-10 defense...but the guys have responded." Following their victories over the Kings, the Lakers have seen their defensive rating jump to No. 8, allowing just 108.2 points per 100 possessions over the last 11 games, which is remarkable considering they were ranked 27th earlier this season.
LeBron echoed this sentiment about the team's transformation, saying, "We understood...we can’t rely on offense all the time, and we have to buckle down on defense. Our offense is going to come... but you can win games in this league when you defend at a high level. And we’ve been doing it over the last couple of weeks." His leadership on the court and voice on defense have been noted as key factors, especially after he returned from missing two games due to foot soreness.
The Lakers' recent games showcase this renewed sense of commitment on defense. They've limited opponents' shooting percentages significantly—just 30% from three-point range and 41% from the field during their current winning streak. The team is finally showing the grit and determination expected from them as they mesh together both offensively and defensively.
One player who has stepped up remarkably is Max Christie, securing his place as a formidable point-of-attack defender. Rui Hachimura has also begun to shine, fulfilling his defensive assignments, which has added depth to the lineup. Davis remains the anchor of the team’s defense, but even players like James are stepping up their commitment on this side of the ball, which could translate to increased success as the season progresses.
Looking forward, the Lakers will face the Detroit Pistons on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena, where they hope to continue their winning momentum. The Pistons surprised L.A. earlier this season by winning their first matchup, and now they present another opportunity for the Lakers to showcase their newfound defensive prowess.
Detroit has proven to be more competitive than previous seasons, boasting promising young talent such as Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. They nearly out-rebounded the Lakers last time with a 55-37 advantage, indicating the need for L.A. to address its rebounding efforts alongside its impressive defense.
"Everything we’re doing defensively, we’re physical, we’re talking, we’re covering for one another," Davis said, summarizing the team's recent efforts. "We’re just flying around doing everything, being gritty, playing desperate on the defensive end." If the Lakers can maintain this defensive intensity and avoid the mistakes seen earlier in the season, they could emerge as real contenders moving forward.
With their solid performances, the Lakers have made it clear they’re aiming for the play-offs. The groundwork they've laid on the defensive end should play significant dividends as they advance through the season, establishing them as not only one of the most exciting teams to watch on offense but also now defensively formidable.
Whether they can keep the momentum going against the Pistons remains to be seen, but after their recent stretch of success, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Will the Lakers' defensive resurgence prove sustainable, propelling them up the Western Conference standings?
With the game slated for 7:30 p.m. PT, there’s plenty to look forward to as the purple and gold host Detroit, seeking revenge and maintaining their winning streak at home.
