NBA: Lakers Will Use Defense To Win Championship

The Los Angeles Lakers could use defense to help win an NBA championship next season.

Before the Lakers gradually went downhill on defense, the team was doing well on the said category as they sat comfortably around the top ten in the league. But before the season ended, the team eventually settled in around the middle in the defensive rankings. However, the newly rebuilt Lakers are starting to show that they have the pieces to become one of the top defensive teams once again.

In a recent interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Alex Caruso expressed optimism about being a solid defensive team next season. According to Caruso, the Lakers have the “right supporting cast” for Anthony Davis in terms of his goal to become the NBA’s next Defensive Player of the Year.

“I think this team could be really good defensively. I saw AD make some comments about wanting to be Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s more than capable of that. So I think we have the right guards and the right supporting cast around him to make this a really good defensive team,” Caruso said.

Prior to Caruso’s statement, Davis already vowed to push hard for the Defensive Player of the Year award. In his recent interview with Yahoo Sports, the dominant big man said that Lakers already have the edge on offense and he wants to work personally on his defense.

“I want to be Defensive Player of the Year. I think if I’m able to do that, I can help this team win. The offensive end will come around, but defensively, I want to hold myself, ” Davis said.

Davis also emphasized that he would ensure that he and his co-star LeBron James will be included in next year’s All-Defensive Team.

But what was even more remarkable on Davis’ statement was his plan to make use of the Lakers’ defensive ability to win the NBA title.

“I want to make sure me and LeBron are on the All-Defensive Team. If we’re able to hold teams under 100 [points], which is probably unrealistic but it should be our goal, I think we’ll have a shot at winning the title,” Davis noted.

With Danny Green on the roster, the Lakers could really be solid defensively as Green finished second among all shooting guards in the NBA in terms of defensive real-plus-minus last season.

Aside from the players, Lakers’ new set of coaches are also known for their defensive skills. Frank Vogel has been recognized for his defensive-minded approach and past success with the Indiana Pacers several years ago. Jason Kidd on the other hand, was widely known for his impressive defense during his playing years.