After the Los Angeles Lakers got off to a 2-5 start, many cited defense as the No. 1 one issue plaguing the team. During that stretch, the Lakers were a top-10 team in pace but ranked in the bottom 10 in defensive efficiency.
However, since then, it feels as if there’s been a significant change in the team’s identity. Statistics show that it can be traced to the signing of Tyson Chandler. Since his arrival on Nov. 7, the Lakers have skyrocketed from No. 23 in defensive rating all the way to No. 6 entering play Thursday.