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The biggest defensive liabilities on the Los Angeles Lakers roster

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Kent Bazemore #26 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Kent Bazemore #26 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have been different than most teams over the last two seasons. While most teams have leaned into three-point shooting and scoring, the Lakers leaned in to playing bully ball and being one of the best defensive teams in the league.

With all of the new additions that the team made it is naturally going to take a step back defensively, although they shouldn’t be bad defensively. Whatever they lost in terms of defensive ability, though, has bene made up in roster depth as the team is legitimately 14-deep in rotation players.

There are still more potential defensive liabilities than in previous years. It will be Frank Vogel’s job to put these players in a position to succeed and even improve their defensive ability. In no particular order…

Here are the four biggest defensive liabilities on the Los Angeles Lakers roster

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is a really interesting case because if you look at the advanced defensive metrics he is a really solid player. Both his Defensive Box Plus/Minus and his defensive win-shares are comfortably positive, which is typically a really good sign about a player’s defensive ability.

The problem with Westbrook is his defensive decision-making in key moments of the game. Westbrook has a tendency to play hero ball and that can come across defensively. His advanced metrics are always really good in the regular season because he gives 110% effort in every game, which translates to defense.

But in key moments smart teams will hunt Westbrook and make him make the mistake. Luckily, that can be coached up and while Vogel will have to break years of habits, the Lakers could help Westbrook play more within himself and use his athleticism as a defensive tool.

The most telling thing is how his numbers change in the playoffs. Over the last two seasons, Westbrook has a combined 0.4 DBPM. Not great, but with zero being average, he is above average. 

However, in the playoffs over the last two seasons, his DBPM fell to -1.2. That is a big difference.

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