The Los Angeles Lakers plan to leave 2023 with a strong defense with the two-way trade agreement.
LOS ANGELES The Lakers’ focus will remain on the defensive end of the court as they attempt to define their identity as they look to end 2023 on a high note.
The Lakers will play their final two road games of the year on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves (23-7) who lead the Western Conference, and on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans (18-14).
“We simply need to keep doing what we do,” NBA forward Anthony Davis stated. “We have to make a defense. That is undoubtedly a fantastic Minnesota team. Many excellent weapons. However, we also work well as a team.
And we can win those games if we play the way we’re supposed to defend. Additionally,
Los Angeles The Lakers want to finish 2023 with a winning record, so they will continue to concentrate on being strong on defense while trying to find their identity.
The Lakers’ final two road games of the season are scheduled for this Saturday against the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves (23-7) and Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans (18-14).
NBA forward Anthony Davis said, “We just need to keep doing what we do.” “We must mount a defense. Without a doubt, that Minnesota team is outstanding. Numerous top-notch weapons. But we also function well together as a team.
The Lakers (17-15) have placed a strong emphasis on defense throughout the season, but particularly since head coach Darvin Ham decided to start forward Jarred Vanderbilt in place of guard D’Angelo Russell, giving the team a first unit composed entirely of players six feet six or taller.
After Austin Reaves was replaced by Cam Reddish in the starting lineup five games into the season, this was the second major starting lineup change of the year. In Thursday’s rout of the Charlotte Hornets at home, Rui Hachimura took Reddish’s starting position due to left groin soreness. The Lakers had only won three of the previous nine games.
Forty percent of the way into the season, the Lakers are still attempting to define their identity despite lineup changes and improved health.
“Most of all, it involves determining our desired identity,” Reaves stated. We would like to know for sure right now, but it’s challenging because our roster isn’t complete. Guys have come and gone.
“I believe that because of our versatility, we may occasionally suffer some minor harm. We will become a major issue if we focus on just one thing, become experts at it, and then branch out from there. I think we can beat anyone we play every time we step onto the court. However, I think the most important thing is to really figure out who we are because once we do, we can be so much better.
According to Davis, the points Reaves was making are more advantageous than detrimental.
“We have good issues,” Davis remarked. We have numerous lineup options. Naturally, you want to remain with a single lineup and kind of
we have it set up so that players are aware of their rotations, their shooting locations, and their playing positions; however, we are always able to substitute players if necessary. Since many of the guys on our team are truly versatile and can start anywhere. Thus, we have worthwhile issues.
In addition, Davis stated that more time is needed for the newly formed starting lineup of LeBron James, Reddish, Vanderbilt, Taurean Prince, and himself to get over its early setbacks.
In 19 minutes, the new defensive-oriented starting lineup has a net rating of minus-19.5 and a defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 122.
“We just need to keep playing and learning, especially on defense, with that first group,” Davis remarked. “Since we’re five defensive-minded players who enjoy playing defense, we’ll keep figuring out these schemes and how we can improve before figuring out how to score goals.”
Both Davis (ankle) and James (knee), who was sidelined for the second night of a back-to-back loss to the Timberwolves on December 21, were listed as questionable for Saturday’s contest.
