Identity in the NBA, the foundational qualities that define how a team will play most nights, are almost always forged over the course of a season.
The Lakers began the season convinced they would need to simply outscore their opponents because of their defensive liabilities. Then, in a 180-degree turn, an improved defensive effort helped fuel their recent run of strong play — the team simply pouring more energy into that area of the court.
But what about the parts of identity that can’t be learned? What about the things that just are?