Lakers vs. Kings Preview: Can L.A.’s small-ball lineup correct their mistakes?

Some of the flaws in the Lakers’ small-ball lineup were exposed in their embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. L.A’s defense allowed the Grizzlies (who are built around height and youth) to score 62 points on the paint and shoot 54% from the field, even without starting center Steven Adams.

Memphis’ shot chart pretty much sums up how successfully they attacked the Lakers’ small-ball units last Sunday.

Basically, L.A.’s interior defense was nowhere in sight. They were repeatedly burned for trapping Ja Morant and not closing out quickly enough on the perimeter.