Robert Horry explains how LA Lakers can become a top defensive team again
Following the LA Lakers' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, Robert Horry and Mike Bresnahan discussed some of the team's shortcomings on Spectrum SportsNet. While addressing a lot of issues from the game, Horry shed light on the defensive adaptations the Lakers could make.
The LA Lakers suffered a tough 127-115 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. While the scoreline only indicated a difference of 12 points, the Lakers seemed far behind Portland for the majority of the game.
The major reason for this was Portland's incredible perimeter shooting for the night. Portland started off hot, making 17 three-pointers in the first half, which was a franchise record.
Although the Blazers got several open looks, the Lakers managed to contest a large number of shots as well. Unfortunately, for Purple and Gold, Portland just wouldn't miss out.
Although the new acquisition Malik Beasley eventually caught fire in the second half, the game was already out of reach.
Discussing the Lakers' poor display on Spectrum SportsNet, former NBA champion Robert Horry shared his thoughts on the team's defense. While referring to the game against Portland, he said:
"You can't control what the other team does sometimes. You go out and play good defense, you give 'em high fives when they take shots but they keep knocking down threes. That hurts so much mentally because you know you're playing good defense and they keep knocking down threes."
Horry then spoke about the Lakers' potential as a defensive team. Considering the massive haul of players they brought in before the trade deadline, the Purple and Gold are virtually unrecognizable.
With chemistry building playing a huge role in structuring defenses, Horry expressed his thoughts on the Lakers' defense by saying:
"They can be one of those top defensive teams again. They just gotta get some practice time in. They playing off the fly right now. You've got new pieces, you've got guys hurt, you've got guys coming back from injury and there's no continuity."
"There's no rhythm right now. But once they get in the rhythm, I think they can get back to being one of the top defensive teams in the league."
.@Mike_Bresnahan & @RKHorry discuss their takeaways from last night's game in Portland. https://t.co/uwF5NLKrNv
The Purple and Gold will hope to see their new arrivals assimilate into the system soon. With only a few games left in the season, the LA Lakers will need to develop a winning habit quickly.
The LA Lakers must win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday
The LA Lakers' loss on Monday saw them fall to 26-32 on the season. Needless to say, with only one game left before the All-Star break, the Lakers need to win the game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers are currently two games behind OKC and Portland and 2.5 games behind the Utah Jazz. It is evident that every win is necessary. However, developing a winning habit is imperative at this stage in the season.
The Lakers will face the Pelicans on Wednesday, who have seen a break in their own winning ways. With LeBron James still listed as questionable, the LA Lakers will need to speed up the process of building chemistry before the All-Star break.