New Lakers Big Man Sheds Light On Former Team's Defensive Strategy Against LA

Recent Los Angeles Lakers signing Jaxson Hayes, who was recently brought over from the New Orleans Pelicans, where he spent the first few years of his career, was asked about what the Pelicans' game plan when facing the Lakers was in his time there.

Hayes remarked:

"To attack their transition defense."

Jaxson Hayes said New Orleans' game plan against the Lakers was to attack their transition defense and he hopes he can help shore up that end of the floor.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 2, 2023

While hearing about the Lakers' transition defense being a target by other teams can pose concern, it also acts as a major boost for LA when it comes to understanding how other teams view them, and what strategies opponents employ when facing off with them on a nightly basis.

Moreover, what the Lakers may consider a weakness internally, may not be seen as one by opposing teams. Instead, teams attempt to find their own means of exploiting their opponents' abilities, and from there, act on them.

Thus, for the Lakers to best equip themselves for high-level competition down the stretch, understanding their own internal weaknesses, on top of the other team's tactical approach, makes for their ability to create optimal game plans.

With regards to Hayes' comment and the Pelicans' rationale for attacking the Lakers in transition, LA's age and offensive system, as well as the Pelicans' roster construction all favor pushing the pace in transition.

The Lakers, at least last season and previously in the LeBron era, have been an aging team with injury issues. Forcing the ball down the court and attacking in transition is an ideal way to take advantage of slower-paced, slower-footed teams.

The Pelicans as a team are also heavy pace-pushers, as due to their youth and elite creators of transition offense (ex: Brandon Ingram, a former Laker), would take any available advantage to pounce on other teams.

The Lakers have gotten younger and quicker, however, and adding more 3-point shooters also allows them to stop the transition offense at a higher level, as players are more likely to take shots from the 3-point line, and therefore, be able to get back on defense quicker.

While Hayes' insight is extremely valuable, it's only a telling of how one team approaches facing the Lakers. Other teams employ their own strategies and attempt to capitalize on any roster, skill, or positional advantage they have.

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