Overview
- Los Angeles’ defense has sagged into the bottom third by the numbers, including a 116.7–116.8 defensive rating and a recent 120.9 mark over 10 games with league-worst fast-break damage such as 27 points allowed to the Spurs.
- JJ Redick said the staff is looking at everything and indicated defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt, who has logged only three minutes in the last 10 games, will get opportunities if the slide continues.
- Austin Reaves sustained a Grade‑1 left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in about a week, creating near-term minutes that could be redistributed on the perimeter.
- Redick said the team will try to find minutes for rookie Adou Thiero, using brief runs and G League reps as the staff hunts for athleticism and defensive punch.
- Despite the defensive dip, the Lakers are 17-7 with a top‑five offense over the past 10 games, and recent film sessions and practices have focused on fundamentals such as transition urgency and early-possession containment.