JJ Redick says Lakers have to figure out defensive struggles together
Currently, the Lakers are near the bottom of all defensive categories and JJ Redick is fully aware that improving those numbers will be everyone’s responsibility.
During the early parts of this season, one aspect the Lakers have been undeniably bad at is defense.
L.A. currently has the fourth-worst offensive rating at 117.9. They give up the fourth most points in the paint at 54.1 per game and are tied for the most points allowed on fastbreaks at 19.3.
After a brutal loss versus the Nuggets, where the Lakers gave up 70 points in the second half, JJ Redick discussed how the path toward better defensive play requiring an all-hand-on-deck approach.
“In terms of the defensive stuff, and I told the group this yesterday, like we can point to whatever we want to point to,” Redick said. “Me and my staff will take some ownership on that as well. Like it’s not just players not executing the game plan. It’s all of us. Like we’re all on the same team. We all want the same outcome. We all want to be a good defensive team. So we’ve got to figure out that together.”
There is not much positive on the defensive side from this team, but what’s clear is that Redick will keep searching for answers.
One of the biggest reasons Cam Reddish is starting is because he gives the team a better defensive player on the perimeter than what D’Angelo Russell can provide. When it comes to other role players like Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, their defensive ability will be what keeps them on the floor.
Obviously, Jarred Vanderbilt would greatly help this team’s defense. Vando is an elite wing defender, but with him being a couple of weeks away from another re-evaluation, the Lakers will have to figure it out without him for the time being.
Despite the abysmal defensive numbers, there have been signs of marginal progress.
Over the past two weeks, the Lakers have given up fewer points on fastbreaks, allowing 17 per game, making them 21st in the NBA. Teams also score less on L.A.’s turnovers, averaging 18.3 per game, placing the Lakers slightly above the middle of the pack at 13th in the NBA.
While going from the worst to the middle isn’t a grand success, it’s a step in the right direction. Given how bad the Lakers have been defensively, they must take their wins where they can.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.