After returning from the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the top teams. The organization’s performance has improved, particularly in terms of defense. During the 2024-25 NBA season, the Lakers made changes to their roster that have led them to where they are. One of the players they traded for in the middle of the season was Dorian Finney-Smith.
Los Angeles received Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets after they traded guard D’Angelo Russell. Since getting the 6-foot-7 forward, the team has played exceptional defense. On Monday, head coach JJ Redick spoke highly of what Finney-Smith has done for the team. With his ability to knock down 3-pointers on 35% shooting and his intelligent defense, the Lakers have outperformed most of their matchups.
“I think a level of toughness, certainly communication and the spirit to want to defend,” Redick said. “Guys have responded well to who he is as a player, a teammate. He’s just fit right in. Our season got turned around. The energy, the spirit of our group got turned around when we got him. He’s been a huge force.”
This season, the Lakers are 13th in the league when it comes to defense. Over the last 15 games, however, the team has been at the top when it comes to defense. It’s a significant jump from when they started the season. Los Angeles was 26th in the NBA in October and 25th in November. In December, they improved and became the 15th best defensive team.
The Los Angeles Lakers failed to get a bounce-back win against the Nets
The Los Angeles Lakers failed to get a win against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday and had a 111-108 loss. The team had a short-handed squad as All-Star forward LeBron James missed the game due to a groin injury. Additionally, their starting center, Jaxson Hayes, missed the game because of a right knee contusion.
With their absence, Luka Doncic and Dalton Knecht spent most of the time on the court. Both players played for over 40 minutes. Doncic finished the game with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists on 30.8% shooting from the field. The rookie forward, meanwhile, had 19 points and four rebounds.
After the game, Redick said the team’s lack of communication resulted in their loss.
“We just wanted to take shortcuts,” Redick said.
James will continue to miss games due to a groin injury. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he’s expected to miss at least one to two weeks of action.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
