We’ve recently learned that the coaching staff is implementing a new defensive strategy. The team followed suit, realizing they would face several challenges in the getting-used-to stages of learning the new defense. Tuesday’s result? They forced the Pistons to turn the ball over 19 times, among other things. Wednesday night? Well, at least the Suns only made 11 three-point shots as opposed to 22. Agasint the Hornets, active hands on the floor led to steals and fastbreak points.
Over the course of the last three games, the Lakers have at least been exhibiting great ball movement, using their size advantage, making an effort on the defensive end and gotten significantly better at taking care of the basketball.
We’ve been here before though right? A win today, perhaps another the next game, but one more lop-sided game could tap Lakers Nation back into a roller coaster ride of emotions. At the risk of sounding like a cynic, three games don’t blur the memory of the Lakers recent struggles with lethargy, but the numbers show signs of at least a concerted effort to improve.
“We have to really turn it around,” Jackson said after the Lakers victory over the Pistons Tuesday night. “One game is not the end of this situation.”
It remains to be seen whether or not two games could end the situation Jackson is referring to.