The image of LeBron James running roughshod with the ball in his hands and Anthony Davis scoring inside the paint and from the perimeter with equal aplomb can render secondary other important facts.
For example: the Los Angeles Lakers concluded the regular season rated third in defensive efficiency.
But when the Lakers string together a series of defensive possessions where their rotations are stifling and their rim protection sufficient, their defensive might comes into clearer focus.
The Lakers haven't been a defensive juggernaut for the balance of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Houston Rockets.