Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat to the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, star player Anthony Davis voiced his concern about the team’s defensive performance. Davis emphasized the need for the Lakers to maintain an elite defensive mindset, regardless of how opponents play them offensively. He highlighted key defensive aspects such as аggressive on-ball defense, rebounding, and being pesky and feisty on the court. The Lakers’ defensive struggles were evident in the game against the Celtics, as their opponents had all five starters scoring at least 18 points. Despite strong individual performances from Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers couldn’t overcome their defensive challenges.

Davis stressed the importance of defensive consistency, stating that the team’s identity is closely tied to their defensive intensity. He acknowledged that when the Lakers fail to perform well defensively, they become a different team altogether. The Christmas Day loss marked the Lakers’ sixth defeat in their last eight games, highlighting the need for improvement. Davis expressed a sense of urgency in addressing defensive issues and fixing mistakes. He recognized missed opportunities, including his own missed free throw that led to a crucial Celtics’ fast-break 3-pointer.

LeBron James Questions Lakers’ Ability to Compete Against Top Teams

After the Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Celtics, LeBron James raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete against the league’s top teams. James acknowledged the impressive performances of teams like the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Celtics, highlighting their overall health and readiness. In contrast, he indicated that the Lakers are currently facing challenges due to injuries.

James admitted that the Lakers are not as healthy as they would like to be in order to compete effectively against elite teams. He recognized the need for the team to take additional steps to enhance their performance and reach a level where they can match up against top-tier opponents.

Despite having a winning record, the Lakers have experienced a rough stretch, going 2-6 in their last eight games. Injuries have played a significant role in their recent performance, with the absence of key players impacting the team’s overall strength.

The Lakers are actively exploring trade options to strengthen the team without compromising their depth, especially with the extended absence of Gabe Vincent. LeBron’s comments suggest that the Lakers are considering significant moves to address their concerns and improve their competitiveness against top teams in the league.