While tied for NBA's best record, Lakers believe they can be better
The Los Angeles Lakers, currently sitting at 11-2 and riding a seven-game winning streak, plan to use their upcoming multi-day rest to address defensive shortcomings despite holding the league's top-ranked offense. Head coach JJ Redick led a review of game footage with players and analytics staff, highlighting issues with rebounding and transition defense that have left the team ranked 18th in defensive efficiency.
While the squad leads the NBA with 11 steals per game and forces 18.5 turnovers per contest, they rank 28th in defensive rebounding and 25th in second-chance points allowed, prompting a focus on physicality and boxing out.
Forward Ziaire Williams noted that the internal critique made the group feel as though they were performing poorly, even with one of the league's best records. The team aims to elevate its defensive standing to at least the top ten, leveraging its size and athleticism to execute better on the glass.
Center Walker Kessler has seen his defensive rebounding average rise to 8.1 during the current winning streak, while forward Jake LaRavia has contributed 2.8 offensive rebounds over his last nine starts. The Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns, who are 5-6, in a Sunday afternoon game.
