The Los Angeles Lakers were no match for the San Antonio Spurs during their recent NBA Cup knockout clash.
Despite the San Antonio Spurs playing without Victor Wembanyama, they handed the LA Lakers a blowout 132-119 loss.
With the terrible defeat, the Lakers have dropped to a 17-7 record and are now the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Is LeBron James holding back Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves struggles vs. San Antonio Spurs
After the game, Lakers captain LeBron James dissected what went wrong for the team.
LeBron James on how LA Lakers can improve their on-ball perimeter defense
A crucial reason behind the Lakers’ defeat was their poor on-ball perimeter defense as they allowed the Spurs to penetrate their paint.
During the postgame conference, James explained how the Lakers can strengthen this weakness moving forward.
“Obviously, you can’t do it individually; it has to be five guys on a string. Communication, always at an all-time high, letting you know what’s going on behind you and things of that nature,” James said.
He explained that each player needs to play a specific role, with some being stronger while others are faster than their opponents.
LA Lakers were exposed on the defensive end
The 13-point loss was a brutal reminder to the Lakers about their underwhelming defensive performance so far this season.
Despite having a winning record, each time the Lakers have faced a playoff contender, they have collapsed on the hardwood.
Herb Jones to the Lakers makes too much sense
Who says no?
Lakers recieve: Herb Jones
Pelicans receive: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber & 2031 first-round pick
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Fans saw that during their loss vs. the Suns and the Spurs once again reminded the Laker Nation about the team’s weakness on that end of the floor.
The silver lining is that there are still a plethora of games left to be played, and head coach JJ Redick has plenty of time to get his players to fix this increasingly concerning flaw.
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