The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t seem to get it right. The Lakers failed to capitalize on the momentum boost they got after their win against the Orlando Magic, losing to the Miami Heat. The Heat capitalized on the Lakers’ poor defense, with one moment being so egregious that even the Heat’s commentators took notice.
During the 4th quarter of the Miami Heat – Los Angeles Lakers game, Duncan Robinson found an incredibly simple path to the basket down the middle, with a simple cutting pass being all that he needed to finish off the play and put 2 points on the board for the Heat and extend their lead to 21.
After the play, Miami Heat commentator Eric Reid said what many NBA fans were already thinking.
“Oh my. The Lakers’ defense in shambles.”
This kind of play is the perfect example of the Lakers’ defensive woes this season. Despite having one of the best defensive coaches in Frank Vogel, the Lakers have not been able to keep the opposition out. The biggest problem the Lakers face on the defensive end of the court is a lack of effort.
Many of the Lakers’ players have shown very little fight on the defensive end, with Avery Bradley being their only reliable perimeter defender. LeBron James, despite his age, is still playing decent defense. But it is clear that he is no longer the incredible defender he once was.
Two of the Lakers’ biggest liabilities on the defensive end are Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Neither player has ever been a great defender during the course of their careers. But this season, their defensive effort seems to have regressed even further.
Fans were clearly unhappy with the way the Lakers played last night, as they should be. Carmelo Anthony came out and said recently that the Lakers don’t listen to outside criticism. But maybe they should start doing that, as they are yet to show any major improvement on the court.
