LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick believes the Los Angeles Lakers are turning a defensive corner after consecutive wins over two of the NBA’s highest-scoring teams.
Following a 120-98 victory against the New York Knicks and a 114-101 decision over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Redick said the club’s recent improvement is the culmination of roughly “25 games” of steady progress.
Redick Encouraged by Recent Results
“I’m encouraged by the defense,” Redick said after the Timberwolves game on March 8, 2026. “We’re not going to be the number one defense in the league, but being above average and putting together those two performances back-to-back is really encouraging.”
Against New York, Los Angeles held the Knicks to 43 percent shooting overall and 24 percent from three-point range, limiting All-Star guard Jalen Brunson to 8-for-19 from the field. Two nights later, Minnesota shot just 46 percent and 25 percent from deep, while Anthony Edwards finished 2-for-15.
Collective Effort on the Defensive End
Marcus Smart has been credited as the tone-setter, with Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt providing energy off the bench. When engaged, center Deandre Ayton has served as an effective rim protector. Stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have also drawn praise from the staff for sacrificing their bodies on defense.
While the offense powered by Doncic, Reaves and LeBron James rarely struggles to score, Redick emphasized that an above-average defense is vital for postseason aspirations. The recent stretch suggests the Lakers are moving closer to that target as the regular season winds down.
Source: Lakers Nation
