The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a strong 17-7 start to the 2025-26 campaign. L.A. weathered the storm of LeBron James missing nearly a month at the start of the season, and has continued their winning ways since his return. They remain No. 4 in the Western Conference despite a loss in the Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals to the San Antonio Spurs.
But the 17-7 Lakers are not content with where they are at, especially on the defensive end. They have been one of the worst defenses in the NBA all season long, ranking 21st in defensive rating. The numbers get even worse, though, when focusing on the perimeter and fast-break opportunities. L.A. is the fifth-worst team in the league guarding the 3-point line, are 24th in opponent points off turnovers and 23rd in opponent fast-break points.
The numbers aren’t any better since James returned to the lineup. Since Nov. 18, the Lakers are 28th in defensive rating, 30th in opponent 3-point percentage and 30th in opponent fast-break points. These are very discouraging numbers despite the Lakers’ winning ways. And LeBron spoke about what can be fixed on the perimeter.
“It’s about five guys being on a string,” James said after the loss to the Spurs. “Obviously, you can’t stop a team individually, it has to be five guys on a string. Communication has to be at an all-time high, letting guys know what’s going on behind you and things of that nature. It’s a unique team. They have six or seven guys that can break you down off the dribble that are super fast, super quick. Some of them are stronger, some of them are faster, some of them are quicker ball handlers. Definitely a unique team, and they got the best of us.”
James added that it is still early and there’s time to get these issues sorted out if everyone puts the effort in.
“We’re still young in the season for us, and we’re gonna continue to get better,” he said. “I think defensively, we understand that on-ball attack is very important, but first getting back in transition. We can’t give up a lot of transition points as we did tonight, and then being able to contain guys off the dribble. So, we will continue to get better with that. More film, more communication, as I said, and just ultimately helping each other out.”
The Lakers are unquestionably lacking speed and athleticism on the perimeter. It’s one of the pitfalls of building a roster around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and James, none of whom provide net-positive output on the defensive end at this stage.
In order for L.A.’s perimeter defense to be good, the roster has to be nearly perfect around those three players, and right now, it isn’t. Head coach JJ Redick can certainly scheme up improvement from what we’ve seen so far this season, but turning this group into an elite defense likely isn’t on the horizon.
LeBron James not thinking about playoffs at this stage
Even though the Lakers have been one of the best teams in the West so far this season, there have been concerns about the team’s defense and whether or not they can truly compete with the elite of the NBA. To that point, Rich Paul, the agent of LeBron James, recently expressed his belief that the Lakers as currently constructed are not a championship contender.
The Lakers had the opportunity to quiet some of their doubters by going on a run in the Emirates NBA Cup, but after a 4-0 record in group play, they were dominated in the quarterfinals by the Spurs. The defensive concerns were on full display as they gave up 132 points to a Spurs team without superstar Victor Wembanyama.
A performance like this seemed to lend further credence to those worried about the Lakers’ ability to compete when the playoffs come around, but LeBron James feels it is far too early to even think about that.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
