Last year, Luke Walton coached the Los Angeles Lakers to the 13th-best defensive efficiency in the NBA, a surprising development that seemed ripe for further growth moving forward given how many of the team’s young players were positive contributors to that defensive rise.
That has not born out so far this year, as through seven games, the Lakers have eighth-worst defense in the NBA, allowing 113.2 points per 100 possessions, a full six points worse per 100 possessions than the Lakers managed last year.
Offenses are up across the league, with 10 teams currently scoring more than 110 points per 100 possessions after only six did so last year, per NBA.