Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star Break.
1) Defense, defense, defense
The Lakers have lost back-to-back games, and that certainly isn’t for a lack of scoring.
Over the last two outings, L.A. has averaged 120 points on 52.9 percent shooting, essentially getting whatever it wants on the offensive side.
Unfortunately for the purple and gold, they have given back even more on the defensive end, where Dallas racked up 130 points and New Orleans poured in 139.
Defensive communication has been the main issue according to the players and coach Luke Walton.