DETROIT — JJ Redick, the mathematically inclined Lakers coach, is aware of the pattern sizes are too small because the Lakers enter their third week of the season. Nonetheless, twenty seventh in something might be a minimum of a little bit regarding.
By six video games, that’s the place Redick’s crew ranked in defensive effectivity, a shocking statistic contemplating his crew is anchored by one of many NBA’s premier defensive gamers in Anthony Davis.
“I think we can be a really good defensive team,” Redick mentioned earlier than Monday’s sport towards the Detroit Pistons. “I’m confident when we get a larger sample size, we won’t be 27th in the league.”
After the primary half of sport seven, it was in all probability worse.
Overlook that the Pistons had solely gained twice this season, that they’d been caught within the mud on a rebuild with no actual ending in sight. Overlook that they performed in Brooklyn the day earlier than whereas the Lakers loved day off after their win in Toronto.
From the second Monday’s sport started, the Lakers’ largest points — those on the defensive finish — have been the largest issues on the courtroom.
The Lakers misplaced 115-103 to the Pistons, their first loss in Detroit since 2021, after permitting 67 first-half factors and failing to sluggish their opponent in nearly each side of the sport.
Davis led the Lakers (4-3) with 37 factors and 9 rebounds. LeBron James added 20 factors, eight rebounds and 11 assists. However the Lakers’ bench was outscored 27-10.
The Pistons have been extra forceful to the glass. They have been faster in transition. They have been extra aggressive to the basket. And though they have been ice chilly, they have been extra prepared to take three-point photographs.
The early issues have been extreme sufficient to power the Lakers into an uphill climb for almost the whole lot of the sport, a climb they have been unable to make.
Redick tightened his rotation within the second half. Cam Reddish changed Max Christie, and rookie Dalton Knecht didn’t play after the second quarter.
The Pistons (3-5) completed with 11 extra photographs, 18 extra rebounds, 9 extra second-chance factors and 6 extra factors within the paint.
The loss to Detroit ensured the Lakers may have a dropping five-game journey.
