The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a rough patch, losing their third consecutive game in a recent road defeat against the lowly Orlando Magic. This string of losses highlights the significant challenges the team faces, particularly the demanding schedule that has seen them play seven games in just ten days, followed by the commencement of a road trip.
While the Lakers’ defense showed marked improvement post-All-Star break, its effectiveness has waned in recent outings. After the Chicago Bulls’ high-scoring victory over the Lakers, Orlando capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive lapses, particularly against Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero during a pivotal third quarter.
The Lakers’ defensive struggles have reignited concerns about the impact of trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić. Although JJ Redick initially improved the team’s defensive performance, NBA analyst Ric Bucher suggests that the grueling schedule is taking its toll. Bucher emphasized the increased effort required to defend without a traditional rim protector, arguing that maintaining this level of intensity is unsustainable amid the team’s demanding schedule.
Yes, The Los Angeles Lakers Are Better With Luka Doncic But Worse on Defense. Period.
“There’s really only one day from now until the end of the season, that they could potentially have a practice, and this is one of the challenges that they face,” Bucher stated on FS1’s Speak. “They are now coming to terms with, without Anthony Davis, if they’re going to play defense without a true rim protector, then everybody has to be on point, and everybody has to be rotating, and they have to be synchronized.”
“And what I’ve seen in the last few games is that defensively, they’re kind of coming apart a little bit, and I just don’t know that they can play the same level of defense unless everybody is committed to it.” Recent admissions from Luka Dončić, indicating the team became “too satisfied,” further underscore this lack of commitment.
Bucher also pointed to the Lakers’ health concerns, noting that several key players are not at full strength.
“Let’s face it, Austin Reaves doesn’t look good physically. LeBron James is dealing with whatever he’s dealing with. Luka Doncic is still trying to get back into shape,” Bucher explained. “I mean, it’s great when you have the euphoria of your getting a Luka Doncic into the mix, and you get excited, and the ball is moving around and everybody’s touching it, and everybody defensively is going to play, but now you get to the grind, and I just need to see that they can get back to that. And I don’t know how you get back to that when you don’t have any time to collectively rest.”
Adding to the team’s woes, Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura have missed recent games. Meanwhile, in Dallas, Anthony Davis made his return from injury in their win against the Brooklyn Nets.