The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season strongly last year to secure the third seed in the West, only to be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Will history repeat itself?
ESPN has warned the Lakers that their mediocre rim protection — JJ Redick’s team ranks 29th in OPP FG% at the rim — could once again be their downfall.
In a feature highlighting the biggest weakness for top playoff teams, ESPN named “rim protection” as the Lakers’ biggest “kryptonite” ahead of the postseason.
“Opposing scouting reports know that nobody on the Lakers’ roster averages even one blocked shot per game this season, so there’s little fear when teams attack the rim against L.A,” the report highlighted.
“The Lakers see opponents shoot 61.3% in the paint — 29th in the league, according to GeniusIQ.”
Lakers Subar Defense
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin explained why the Lakers lack the personnel to protect the rim or keep opposing players away from driving lanes.
“The two who shoulder the most responsibility for N.E.B. (no easy buckets) are centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes,” wrote McMenamin. “Austin Reaves called Ayton, the No. 1 pick in 2018, the Lakers’ X factor and Hayes — a 7-footer who was in the dunk contest during All-Star weekend — certainly has the physical tools to get it done.
“But the problem is not just with the Lakers’ backline. It is incumbent on the Lakers’ perimeter players — be it Marcus Smart and Reaves or LeBron James and Luka Doncic — to provide an initial barrier at the point of attack.
“When an offensive player blows by the defense, allowing him to accelerate as he advances toward the paint, it can neutralize even the best shot blockers.”
Lakers Playoffs Chances
ESPN’s Zach Kram urged the Lakers to avoid the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs because those teams are prone to dominating the paint.
“The league-leading offense in terms of field goal percentage in the paint is actually the Lakers, and they can’t play themselves,” began Kram.
“But they can play the Timberwolves, who rank second by making 60.5% of their shots in the paint, and they can also play the Spurs, who rank third with a 60.4% mark. The Timberwolves dominated the Lakers in the playoffs last year, and they could try to repeat that feat this spring with all the pressure they put on the basket.
“Meanwhile, the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama could be a huge problem down low if the Lakers face San Antonio in the second round.”
Not everyone is as down on the Lakers. Despite their clear defensive flaws, the Lakers could be tough to handle because of their offensive firepower, according to Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, who has warned teams not to underestimate Redick’s team.
“Is that a team you really want to see in the playoffs with three guys — LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — that can decide the game and take over down the stretch?” Nowitzki asked recently.
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