The Lakers faced the Celtics on Christmas Day, but they lost 115-126. In this game, LeBron James contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on 5-of-14 shooting, while Anthony Davis scored 40 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. The Lakers' loss to the Celtics was mainly due to their poor defensive performance. While the Lakers' offensive performance wasn't too much of a problem, shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, their poor defense allowed opponents to score 126 points comfortably.
After the game, Anthony Davis expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's defensive performance, arguing that the team needs to focus more on defense. The Lakers have a whopping 112 defensive efficiency this season5, ranked 7th in the league, with an average of 35 rebounds per game2, ranked 3rd, with an average of 5 blocks per game5, ranked 11th, while steals were 75 times, ranked 12th. However, their defense is still problematic because they rely too heavily on Anthony Davis' slotting and rebounding ability. In addition, the Lakers are facing some difficulties in the 2023-24 season as their overall roster is not as strong as last season.
Although the roster looks good this season, the role players are not as fighting as they were last season. In this gunpowder-filled Christmas battle, the Lakers faced a challenge in the battle against the Celtics. Although LeBron James and Anthony Davis were eye-catching on the offensive end, a lack of solid defense ultimately led to their defeat. LeBron James' 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, as well as Anthony Davis' amazing performance, seemed to be the shining point of the Lakers. However, the results of the game showed that the Lakers' problems on the defensive end remained.
Although they rank well in the league in defensive efficiency and rebounding, they still can't withstand the offense of their opponents. Anthony Davis' dissatisfaction with the team's defensive performance was also evident after the game. He believes the Lakers need to focus more on the defensive end and not just rely on offense to win. Although the Lakers played well offensively, their neglect of the defensive end cost them a big loss in this game. Anthony Davis' words are undoubtedly a warning to the team that he wants to get stronger on the defensive end. The Lakers haven't been entirely satisfying this season.
Although they have become one of the best teams in the league under Ham, their defense is still problematic. It also makes people think about the challenges the Lakers will face if they want to succeed in the 2023-24 season. Their overall roster strength is not as good as last season's, and the fighting spirit of their role players is not as good as in the past. The Lakers need to find a better balance on the defensive end and no longer rely solely on Anthony Davis. Overall, the Lakers' performance in this game showed their offensive potential, but it also highlighted their shortcomings on the defensive end.
The Lakers need to find a better balance on the defensive end and no longer rely solely on Anthony Davis. In this way, we can truly become a team with strong comprehensive strength and meet more challenges.