The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled with their defensive identity over the past few years. From being a top defense in the NBA in 2020, they’ve fallen outside the top-10 from 2021 to 2024, ultimately leading to their lack of success at becoming a true contender again. Everybody anticipated a weak defense when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić. From the media to analysts of the game, they saw the Lakers losing their defensive juggernaut. In hindsight, this is true, but currently, their defense has been one of the best in the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers Defense Has Been On A Surge
As Los Angeles has played without Davis for several games, it’s safe to say they’re playing some excellent defense right now. It comes as a surprise when they lost a defensive anchor in Davis and the tenacity that Christie brought. But, with the team playing hard and covering for each other, the lack of size doesn’t always equate to a poor defense. Recently, the Lakers have had the best defensive rating in the NBA over the last 15 games with a 107.2 rating. A few notable players who don’t pad the stat-sheet but defensively help this team. Their key role players and known defensive contributors are Jarred Vanderbilt, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent.
Over the last 15 games, the Lakers have the BEST DEFENSIVE RATING IN THE LEAGUE (106.4) 🔒 pic.twitter.com/8Xem7q6phE
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 25, 2025
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt joined the purple and gold in 2023 at the trade deadline. His defensive excellence would help the Lakers get to the Western Conference Finals. He would then sign a four-year, $48 million extension heading into 2023-24. Injuries limited him that year to only 29 games, and he made his season debut this year on January 25th. Vanderbilt has been a vocal point defense for this Lakers team over the past years. Since joining LA, he has prided his game on his defensive disruption. He is excellent at getting deflections, steals, rebounding, and guarding the opponent’s best playmaker. With his length, size, and versatility at forward, he can guard almost any position and be a nuisance for the opposing team. His energy and commitment on the team are contagious and ignite everyone to play solid defense.
Dorian Finney-Smith
The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith in a trade that also included guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers felt his defense would benefit the team tremendously as a solid 3-and-D player. Finney-Smith has always excelled in his game on the defensive end. From being a tall forward at six-foot-seven with a long wingspan, his versatility as a defender is impactful for any team. His size and length make his defensive capabilities quite similar to those in Vanderbilt. They both can guard every position, which has shown since joining LA.
Gabe Vincent
The Lakers signed Vincent after the Miami Heat made a run to the NBA Finals in 2023. He became a free agent in the summer and would sign a three-year, $33 million deal. Vincent is a defender who is known for his defensive toughness and effort. He is someone who brings an extra level of energy defensively. From making rotations, getting through screens, stripping the ball, and creating conflict in the opposing offense, his defensive attributes are significant. He is a smaller defender than Vanderbilt and Finney-Smith but is crucial in the backcourt.
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