The Los Angeles Lakers have made huge strides defensively this season a lot sooner than anyone could have expected considering they ranked dead last in defensive efficiency the last two seasons. So far through their first 27 games though, they rank fourth out of 30 teams with a defensive rating of 100.8.
While one reason for it is the amount of focus head coach Luke Walton put on defense in training camp and the preseason, it also has to do with some changes in personnel.
The Lakers signed one of the best defensive guards in the league this offseason in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and after Sunday night’s win over the Denver Nuggets, Walton credited both him and Corey Brewer for setting the tone defensively.