NBA Power Rankings: New Year's Resolutions for Every Team

NBA Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions for Every Team

Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

26. Los Angeles Lakers

Previous: No. 26

Record: 10-22

Last Week: 1-3

New Year’s Resolution: Play Defense

The Los Angeles Lakers rank No. 11 in points scored per game. With Kobe Bryant and Nick Young leading the offense, Los Angeles can score at a high enough clip to stay in almost any game.

Unfortunately, the Lakers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league.

Los Angeles currently boasts the worst scoring defense in the league, allowing 109.2 points per game. It also ranks No. 29 in field goal percentage and No. 28 in 3-point field goal percentage.

For fans of advanced metrics, L.A. ranks dead last in defensive efficiency at 110.4 points allowed per 100 possessions.

According to NBA.com, the Lakers presently rank No. 27 in opponent field goal percentage at the rim at 55.0 percent. They’re No. 26 in points allowed in the paint per game at 45.9.

All in all, the Lakers are dreadful on defense.

The only rational solution is to exert a more concerted effort on that end of the floor.

Next: Moving On