The Los Angeles Lakers' defense has been a problem, but it got even worse in their blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons to close 2025 and ruin LeBron James’ 41st birthday. They were 23rd in defensive rating coming into the game, but were 29th in December. It appeared head coach JJ Redick had unlocked something with a rotation change. The loss to the Pistons proved that wasn’t the case.
It was a layup line for Detroit on Tuesday night. They shot over 60 percent from the field and dominated in the paint. The Pistons had 62 paint points in the first three quarters, and 31 of their first 37 field goals made came in that area.