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NBA Rumors: Rival assistant coach blasts Lakers defense

By Jack Simone

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Rumors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Rumors. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling this season. After their most recent, triple-overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, anyone could have told you that.

The team currently sits below-500 at 10-11 on the season. That’s good enough to place them at eighth in a Western Conference that looks weaker than it has in years.

As NBA rumors swirl about head coach Frank Vogel being on the hot seat, it’s tough to gauge what exactly is wrong with this team. Well, one NBA assistant coach has a theory in that regard.

NBA Rumors: Rival assistant coach blasts Lakers struggling defense

Dan Woike of the LA Times recently put out an article after the aforementioned loss to the Kings. He detailed a statement from a rival assistant coach in response to a quote from Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis.

Davis stated that “it’s evident that any time we play a team and the guys who’s struggling from three or struggling the field or whatever have great games against us.”

However, according to NBA rumors, an assistant coach told The Times something very different about why teams play so well against the Lakers.

“They’re old and they can’t stay in front of anyone.”

The Los Angeles Lakers have the oldest average age of any team in the NBA at 30.6. In addition, they rank 18th in defensive rating this year with a 108.8 rating.

They allow the second-most points per game in the entire league as of now (114.5). At this point, maybe it’s less about opponent’s offensive success and more about the Lakers’ defensive struggles.

Is this statement an exaggeration? Probably. There are some solid defenders in LA. However, is it rooted in the truth that the Lakers are not great on defense this year as a unit? One hundred percent.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers be able to turn it around this year? Or is LeBron James destined for another first-round exit? What do you think?

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