Prior to the season starting, it was advertised by multiple basketball analysts that the LA Lakers has the right balance of instant offense and stifling defense. Well, that’s not the case as they are on the bottom ranking when it comes to defensive rating. The only player who is showing at least an effort in protecting the rim is JaVale McGee.

Lakers are in trouble

When LeBron James joined the team, it was almost guaranteed by ESPN Analyst Stephen A. Smith and Fox Sports News Shannon Sharpe that the King will lead them to a playoff run. After 10 games, it is evident that even with The King, the Lakers cannot defend their own court.

Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron has been considered one of the top best “two-way” players in the league. However, based on the previous year, LeBron has become a liability as well, on the defensive end especially when the spotlight is on. According to advanced metrics, there are at least 321 players ahead of LeBron in the defensive category which is shocking since he is often called the “GOAT”.

Veterans needing to step up

Yesterday, not only the Raptors picked them apart but also magnified their problem. NBA legends have already called out LeBron James to lead as an example or rally the team instead of pouting or putting his hands on his waist as if everything isn’t going in his direction.

This is not the first time that it has happened and a lot of Laker fans are already alarmed. Defensive specialists Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson seem to have forgotten their identity as well. Although bought are contributing offensively, they are most needed on the defensive end. Hopefully, these two veterans will have a wake-up call knowing that they have a bunch of offensive players already and they need to spearhead their defensive growth.

New head coach on the horizon

It was reported by Fox Sports News earlier that the Lakers, specifically Magic Johnson, won’t fire Luke Walton after their embarrassing loss. However, his record is against him and it is only a matter of time until the Lakers release him. Walton, on the other hand, is confident that his team can move over the hump.

Based on his recent interview, Walton might change his lineup and his players need to adjust to it. There are already rumours that if Walton will get fired, former Cavaliers Head coach Ty Lue is one of their prospects and ABC Analyst Mark Jackson is in the mix too.

Their next game will be on Thursday and it’s against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves are also struggling due to their off-court drama involving their All Star Jimmy Butler but they should not be taken lightly.