The Focus Was on Defense for the Lakers

After the trouncing at the hands of the Boston Celtics in last season’s NBA finals, the Lakers started the season with their prime focus on defense. The Lakers recognized that success in post season play meant more ’stops’ on the defensive end. It is frightening to think how the Lakers would have played if they had not done so much work on defense during this season’s training camp.

Nevertheless, the New York Knicks scorched the Lakers with 37 first quarter points and 28 second quarter points. The score at half time was 65 - 50 in favor of the Knicks. The Lakers defense was characterized by not being able to defend the Knicks guards and less than stellar defense at the three point line.

The Lakers allowed Nate Robinson to come off the Knicks bench and score 33 points. Twelve of those points were from the free throw line. The Lakers guards simply have trouble with opposing guards and this has been a consistent weakness. The defense played by Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmer is turning opposing guards into the highlight reel on late night sports programs.

The Lakers managed to overcome the first half problems and escape with a 116 - 114 win. Pau Gasol did not play due to illness but the problem is with the guard play. For the Knicks, Quentin Richardson, Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson had 63 points - from their guards:

link: box score Lakers / Knicks

The Lakers can play smothering defense. Their guards simply need help. It is a glaring weakness which good teams will exploit. So far, the Lakers have an enviable record with only three losses. However, that record is deceiving. Some of those wins have been less than convincing victories. Further, there will be more road games in the coming weeks and it will be much more difficult to overcome defensive lapses of quarters or halves when playing on the road. A championship team simply does not surrender 37 points in a quarter.

Catherine Forsythe