Over a quarter of the way through the 2024-25 season, and teams are starting to get a sense of their true identity. For the Los Angeles Lakers, that means a harsh realization about their defense. And that has everyone — from head coach JJ Redick to superstar Anthony Davis to role players like Max Christie — searching for answers.
Prior to games on Friday, the Lakers have the 26th-ranked defense in the NBA. That puts them at fifth-worst with only the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards beneath them. The Lakers are the only team in the bottom 10 with an above .