The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a recent rut of play, particularly on the defensive end. In the last three games, the Lakers have allowed 136, 128 and 143 points with two of those resulting in losses.
After one of those recent losses, LeBron James spoke about the defense and how they could improve while focusing on Lonzo Ball’s return as a potential spark.
“We have a huge piece still not with us, in Lonzo, that’s a huge piece of our team so until then we have to continue to work throughout our film sessions, throughout our shoot-arounds.”
Prior to Ball’s injury, the Lakers held a defensive rating of 105.9, ranking them sixth-best in the league. Since that injury, the Lakers defensive rating has plummeted down to 119.6. Ball’s injury isn’t the only factor in the Lakers’ defense taking a downturn, but it certainly is a big factor.
The Lakers are 28th in three-point percentage since Ball’s injury and are 30th in non-corner three-pointers.
The team is struggling mightily on the defensive end and while Ball isn’t the lone factor, it’s not a coincidence the team has taken a step back. His ability to defend players at the point of attack is something the Lakers lack. His ability to read offenses and cut passing lanes or come up with steals is also a skillset the rest of the Lakers can’t replicate.
The good news is that it appears the Lakers could get Ball back into the lineup in the near future as the team expects him back after the All-Star break. The sooner he returns, the better as the Lakers fight for one of the final playoff spots.
