Lakers opponents generating fourth-best shot quality in NBA
lakers-opponents-fourth-best-shot-quality
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offense continues to thrive without LeBron James, but early defensive metrics are raising red flags, according to an ESPN assessment released this week.
ESPN analysts Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton placed Los Angeles in their “conference-finals party crashers” tier rather than among serious championship threats. Their reasoning centers on shot quality allowed: opponents are producing the league’s fourth-best looks, based on data from GeniusIQ. Only the Kings, Nets and Pelicans concede higher-quality opportunities.
“Can a lineup with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and James defend enough to win multiple playoff rounds?” Kram wrote, questioning whether Los Angeles can maintain its scoring punch while tightening defensive screws once James returns.
The Lakers have started the season strong offensively—Reaves has drawn early All-NBA buzz and Doncic’s MVP candidacy remains intact—yet the team’s defensive profile suggests work ahead if it hopes to contend in the Western Conference. The schedule is still in its opening weeks, and many clubs are not yet defending at postseason intensity, but the analysts highlighted Los Angeles’ defense as a clear area for improvement.
James, who has been sidelined to begin the campaign, could make his season debut later this week, giving the Lakers a chance to test new lineups and address the defensive concerns identified by ESPN.
Source: Hoops Wire
