An interesting breakdown explains the Lakers' poor defensive rating

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers entered the game with a defensive rating ranking of 18th in the NBA. However, upon examining more detailed statistics, a different picture emerges. The Lakers have excelled in forcing turnovers and converting them into points, ranking second in opponents' turnover percentage and first in points off turnovers per game. They are also third in blocks per game and first in steals per game.

However, the team's defensive struggles appear to be concentrated in the final minutes of games, known as garbage time. According to Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation, the Lakers' defensive rating fluctuates significantly throughout the game, with a solid performance in the first three quarters but a notable drop in the fourth quarter.

For example, the Lakers' defensive rating was 106.9 in the first quarter (8th in the NBA), 116.2 in the second quarter (16th in the NBA), and 103.4 in the third quarter (4th in the NBA), but it soared to 128.5 in the fourth quarter (28th in the NBA).

This trend became particularly evident in close games, such as when the Lakers were up by 22 points with just a few minutes left against the Toronto Raptors and against the Milwaukee Bucks. Head coach JJ Redick has been criticized for keeping his starters, including Luka Doncic, on the court until the end of games, as he does not trust his bench players to step in during crucial moments.

Despite these defensive issues, the Lakers are currently 11-2, tying them with the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA. While the team's defense may not be perfect, their offense has been outstanding, leading the league in points per game, offensive rating, and field-goal percentage. They are also third in 3-point accuracy and seventh in fast-break points per game.