Lakers Strive for Physical Defense despite Offensively-Powered Roster
Los Angeles Lakers forward Austin Reaves expressed his team's renewed focus on developing a more physical defensive approach, hoping to mitigate their shortcomings on the defensive end of the floor. The likes of LeBron James, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura are renowned for their scoring prowess, leaving limited room for the Lakers to rely on traditional defensive specialists.
In Monday's practice session, head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of a more collective effort from his players in terms of physicality. Reaves highlighted the team's intention to force calls from the referees, arguing that teams which embody this defensive mindset often get away with increased contact due to their ability to limit fouls.
"I think if you watch basketball for a long time, the teams that are 'physical defensive teams' might get away with a little more just because every possession you can’t call a foul," Reaves said. "So we're trying to get to that where we're physical every possession and we have to make the refs call fouls."
While there could be increased free throws conceded due to increased physicality, Reaves believed this shouldn't come at the expense of defensive effort. He advocated for the team's size and athleticism being used as a strength rather than a weakness, adding that a more aggressive approach can pay off even if some calls may go against them.
The Lakers' struggles have become undeniable following back-to-back losses, one a heartbreaking game-winner in Orlando and the other with a decisive second-half collapse against Denver. Yet Reaves assured fans the team remains "in good spirits," ready to respond to these setbacks.
Their most recent performances aside, the Lakers are aware of their greatest strengths when utilizing their physical attributes effectively – matchups where their size can be leveraged. It is worth noting that while they cannot compete with all opponents on this front, certain teams provide valuable opportunities for them to utilize their resources to great advantage.