While the Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the top defensive teams in the NBA according to statistics, it has been clear it hasn’t been as strong as it was at the start.
One reason many point to is Avery Bradley‘s injury, which forced him to miss 13 games.
After signing in 2019 NBA free agency, Bradley was one of the standouts of training camp and earned himself a starting role. His ability to harass the opposing point guard set the tone for the Lakers on that end of the floor.
When Bradley suffered a hairline fracture in his leg, there was concern about what the Lakers would do.