Rui Hachimura Believes Lakers Have Tools to Become Best Defensive Team in NBA
After a formative 2023 trade deadline, where the Lakers shipped off Russell Westbrook and more for verstaile defensive-minded players like Jarred Vanderbilt, and productive offensive players like Rui Hachimura, the team's identity has changed, and the roster has become incredibly well-built.
Amidst that identity shift is the Lakers' emphasis on defense. After the trade deadline, the Lakeshow possessed the league's best defense, led by Vanderbilt's addition and Anthony Davis' improved ability to stay on the floor.
Ahead of the 2023-2024 regular season, Rui Hachimura had great things to say about the Lakers defense:
Hachimura's rationale involved how the Lakers have tremendous defensive talent, and, more importantly, are able to switch 1-5 and due to their depth, have lots of outlets to beat opponents defensively.
The offseason additions of Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent certainly add value on the defensive side of the ball, but the loss of Dennis Schröder will be significant.
Dennis is a defensive pest, and spent much of the Lakers' second-round series against the Golden State Warriors shadowing and chasing Stephen Curry, contributing greatly to LA's 4-2 series win over the then-reigning NBA champions.
The major X-factor for the Lakers defensively will be health, as much of the unit's success is built on the rim protection from DPOY candidate Anthony Davis.
AD has struggled to stay on the court for much of his career, and the Lakers defense is far worse without AD, indicating his importance.
If he's out there enough of the season, however, Hachimura's statement will easily run true.
Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!
