Raptors' $4.3M guard publicly calls out LeBron James-led Lakers' transition defense in bold remark: "They don't really want to get back"
Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji openly criticized the LA Lakers' transition defense on Sunday. Speaking to a reporter before heading to the locker room at halftime, Agbaji confidently outlined the Raptors' game plan against the LeBron James-led Lakers.
Agbaji, who is slated to earn $4.3 million this season and is in the second-to-last year of his rookie deal, stated that Lakers players "don’t want to get back on defense," and that the Raptors were focused on taking full advantage of this weakness.
"Obviously, they don't really want to get back so we get a rebound and we are out running," said Agbaji. That's the game plan and we will try to do that in the second half,"
Agbaji’s comments came as the Raptors led 55-53 at halftime, largely due to their dominance on the boards and effective transition offense. The Raptors grabbed 26 rebounds in the first half, while the Lakers struggled, managing only 11. Nine of the Raptors' rebounds were offensive, underscoring the Lakers' lack of intensity on the glass.
In addition to their rebounding struggles, the Lakers were slow getting back on defense, allowing the Raptors to capitalize in transition. However, in the second half, the Lakers stepped up, outrebounding the Raptors 22-14 and putting together a stronger performance that propelled them to a 123-103 victory at home.
LeBron James played a pivotal role in shifting momentum for the Lakers after Anthony Davis exited the game with a left eye injury. The four-time NBA champion led by example with his energy and hustle, recording his second consecutive triple-double. LeBron finished the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists.
Fans agree with Ochai Agbaji's remark
Many fans, including Lakers supporters, agreed with Ochai Agbaji’s comment about the Purple and Gold’s lack of urgency to get back on defense after missed shots on offense.
"Every team in the league gonna want to play what Agbaji says about the gameplan against the Lakers going into half. He just flat out says it," a fan wrote.
"Slow foot speed team that mostly plays entitled… it’s a really bad mix. I think this is something we’re going to have to live with this season," commented another fan.
"It's literally almost every play. They're running on makes and misses. Now, fatigue can always be a factor when playing like that, but what the Lakers give up is easy points since our offense isn't as efficient as it should be," said another.
Agbaji had an impressive game against the Lakers, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and a block. He was highly efficient, shooting 5 of 7 from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.