Lakers' Defensive Performance: Pre vs. Post-LeBron

Before LeBron James joined, the Los Angeles Lakers' defense was a respectable middle-of-the-pack unit in the NBA. They ranked 14th in defensive rating and 13th in opponent points per game. The team also limited opponent three-point shooting effectively, ranking 15th. Furthermore, they led the league in preventing offensive rebounds and were 11th overall in forcing turnovers. This period showcased a solid, if not spectacular, defensive foundation for the franchise. However, after LeBron's arrival, those defensive metrics significantly declined for the Lakers. Their defensive rating plunged to 29th, with opponent three-point percentage dropping to a concerning 30th. Opponent points per game also worsened to 20th. Forced turnovers also fell to 14th during this period. Despite these overall drops, they still managed to maintain a relatively strong 7th rank in limiting opponent offensive rebounds, a lone bright spot.Lakers LeBronJames NBA NBADefense Basketball