Photo via Yahoo Sports

The Lakers will have a new defensive identity this season

During a season-opening media session on Thursday, leadership figures Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick outlined a strategic shift for the squad aimed at matching the primes of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while revamping an aggressive defensive system. Despite securing fifty-three victories last year, the group struggled significantly with rim protection, finishing second-to-last in opponents shooting percentage in the restricted area at seventy-two percent and parting ways with center Deandre Ayton alongside unrenewed backup Jaxson Hayes.

To correct these interior vulnerabilities, the organization brought in new center Walker Kessler, whose imposing wingspan and shot-blocking ability are expected to anchor the paint and reverse last season's poor defensive metrics. Coach Redick noted that the team previously relied heavily on a one-through-five switching scheme out of necessity, which frequently dragged big men away from the basket and allowed opposing offenses easy scoring opportunities.

Up nextNBA· 3h ago

Luka Doncic files international petition to bring his daughters back to US