Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Shootaround Report: Lakers Defensive Problems – Effort or Confusion?
Lakers News

Shootaround Report: Lakers Defensive Problems – Effort or Confusion?

Serena Winters
Published: 12/28/2012
3 Min Read
SHARE

The Lakers defensive unity on Christmas Day, which led to a 100-94 win against the New York Knicks last Tuesday night, squalled the defensive criticisms for about 24 hours time. That was until the Lakers looked slow, confused, tired and undeserving in their 126-114 loss on the road to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night. Dwight Howard’s ejection due to a Flagrant-2 foul call, didn’t make matters better; however, in head coach Mike D’Antoni’s post-game interview on Time Warner Cable SportsNet, he said Howard’s absence meant “not a whole lot.”

In Dave McMenamin’s article on ESPNLA.com, Howard pointed a few fingers to explain the defensive lapses.

“Guys got to be in the right spots and they have to be taught it and it has to be something that you practice on so guys can understand,” Howard said, visibly frustrated as he spoke. “They have to go through it. You just can’t talk about defense or talk about where to go. You actually have to show guys where to go.”

It sounds like making excuses for defensive struggles continued at shootaround this morning. According to Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News, the Lakers still have differing opinions on pinpointing the source of the Lakers defensive problems.

Interesting. Mike D’Antoni & Steve Nash say defensive issues mostly about effort. Howard says it’s more about lack of knowing rotations

— Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) December 28, 2012

The Lakers head coach and point guard seem to be on the same page, but the Lakers All-Star center who clearly made a poor defensive play on Kenneth Faried to result in his ejection, isn’t apologizing for his powerful comments. D’Antoni, on the other hand, didn’t acknowledge any truth to Howard’s remarks, and Lakers reporter Mike Trudell only speculated that Howard would probably agree with D’Antoni after watching film.

D’Antoni waved off Howard’s postgame comments about what was wrong w/D, said it was just energy. Howard likely agrees after film session.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 28, 2012

If the Lakers play well defensively tonight, it will be interesting to see if Howard attributes it to effort or knowledge of the rotations. If he’s smart, he’ll mention both and refrain from pointing any fingers, whether or not the Lakers leave home with a win tonight.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Video: Lakers Exclusive with Darius Morris

httpvhd://youtu.be/2uWUCYmeNQo

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
BySerena Winters
Follow:
Serena Winters was a former reporter for LakersNation.com who also oversaw the video team. You can now find her on NBC Sports Northwest as host of The Bridge. But really, she's probably more known for bringing snacks with her wherever she goes. UCSB alum, Muay Thai lover, foodie (all of it). Email: serenawintersinfo@gmail.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?