To say that the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t having a great season so far is a major understatement. While many people tried the wait-and-see approach for a while, even the most committed fans are starting to panic after they lost yet another game by a lot after leading early.
Los Angeles’s fall to the Boston Celtics Fon Friday night was just another shameful, head-shaking moment for the Lakers, and its leading fans to wonder what needs to change. Most of the media attention has been focused on Russell Westbrook.
When Westbrook was traded to the team, some didn’t know how his particular type of play would mesh with the rest of the squad. So far, it hasn’t, and Westbrook hasn’t been playing as well as the Lakers had hoped.
Westbrook’s performances have made him public enemy number one. It’s gotten so bad that he’s even being ridiculed on national television. Yet, there are way more issues currently plaguing this team, and if they want to be in contention to make it to the Finals, they will need to make some huge changes, and soon.
Los Angeles Lakers: Russell Westbrook isn’t the only problem in LA
There is still time for Westbrook to find his rhythm and fit in with the team. It is important to remember that their game against Boston was only the seventh time Westbrook and James played together.
However, the defense of the team is a much more pressing problem, and it has been devastating for LA. Their defense has been abysmal and it’s led to them giving up games they should be winning.
When they secured their last ring in 2020, the Lakers had an unbelievable defense. This year, however, they have the 18th best defensive rating. That’s a major fall from grace.
Of course, a drop-off in D was expected when the team lost defenders like Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but something must be done to bring up the defensive rating, or else the Finals are just a pipe dream.
New players like Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, and Wayne Ellington might be capable of some impressive three-pointers, but their defensive skills pale in comparison to the men who came before them.
Anthony Davis has been giving it his best shot this season and has finally surrendered to the idea of playing center more, but he cannot carry the team on his own. He is easily one of the best defenders in the league, but the Lakers are currently giving up 50.9 points in the paint a game, which means that Davis under the rim just isn’t enough.
Davis needs help, but he needs it from someone who can defend and take quality shots too. Currently, the Lakers don’t have anyone on their team who fits that bill. They could trade away for that sort of support or hope to develop it within the crop of guys they have now, but they will have to do something.
The Los Angeles Lakers have many problems and Russell Westbrook’s shaky start surely isn’t helping things. Yet, the largest storm cloud over the team isn’t Westbrook, it’s the truly dismal defense. If that doesn’t get remedied, they won’t make it to the playoffs, let alone the Finals.