Early in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers’ calling card was the defense. The team was smothering opponents and making life difficult for them. However, things have slipped on that end of the court in recent weeks.
When Avery Bradley got hurt, the team’s defensive intensity dropped. Bradley is dealing with a hairline fracture in his knee and will miss a few more games. With him sidelined, the team has had to give more minutes to players such as Rajon Rondo, who aren’t getting it done on the defensive side of the ball.
With Bradley in the lineup, the Lakers are a top defensive team in the league.