Why Concerns About the Lakers Defense Are Overblown

The Los Angeles Lakers sought to add shooting and defense over the offseason, and it seems to be paying off in training camp, despite the national narrative.
What people expect from the Lakers defensively
The Lakers’ defense was their weakness in 2025. The team finished 20th in defensive rating, struggling to defend with Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James on the court.
Nov 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes were vital to the team’s defense last year, providing rim protection and perimeter defense, but they departed.
For a below-average unit to lose its key defenders, analysts and critics peg the defense as worse, especially given the limitations of Reaves and Doncic.
“But none of that will really matter if L.A. can’t cobble together an average or near-average defense. That responsibility will fall largely to coach JJ Redick and Kessler, but previously uncommitted (at least at times) defenders like Luka and Reaves will have to find conviction fast,” Bailey wrote for Bleacher Report.
The Lakers players are confident that their defense will be much improved contrary to expectations.
Why Lakers players think differently
Walker Kessler, the big addition to the defense, thinks the Lakers’ perimeter defense will surprise people.
“Listen, I think we’re gonna be a nasty defensive team, I’m just being honest,” he said. “Seeing these guys hound the ball on the perimeter…We’re gonna be really good defensively. We have a lot of defensive tools.”​
Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Walker Kessler (14) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Kessler isn’t the only player who thinks so. Austin Reaves feels the same after practicing with new wings Matisee Thybulle and Zaire Williams.
“They all annoy the hell out of me,” Reaves said.
For an elite offensive guard like Reaves to note how improved the defense is bodes well for the future.
Health permitting, and given how intense practices have been, the Lakers should fit head coach JJ Redick’s scheme perfectly.
He relies heavily on players moving with a high level of effort, and if he has that, along with good physical traits, Los Angeles could turn some heads.
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