JJ Redick discussed the path to improving the Lakers’ defense after a slow start

Coming into this season, the Lakers were undoubtedly poor on defense.

LA currently has the fourth-worst offensive rating at 117.9. They give up the fourth-most points on the team at 54.1 per game and have the most points allowed on fast breaks at 19.3.

After a brutal loss to the Nuggets in which the Lakers gave up 70 points in the second half, JJ Redick discussed how the path to better defensive play requires an all-hands-on-deck approach.

“As far as the defensive stuff goes, and I told the group this yesterday, we can point out whatever we want to point out,” Redick said. “I and my employees will also take responsibility here. As if it wasn’t just players who didn’t implement the game plan. We all are. Like we’re all on the same team. We all want the same result. We all want to be a good defensive team. So we have to figure this out together.”

Defensively, there isn’t much positive from this team, but it’s clear Redick will continue to search for answers.

One of the main reasons Cam Reddish is in the starting lineup is because he gives the team a better perimeter defensive player than D’Angelo Russell can provide. For other role players like Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, it will be their defensive ability that keeps them on the floor.

Obviously Jarred Vanderbilt would help this team’s defense a lot. Vando is an elite wing defender, but with him still a few weeks away from further reevaluation, the Lakers will have to make do without him for now.

Despite the abysmal defensive numbers, there were signs of marginal progress.

Over the past two weeks, the Lakers have given up fewer points on fast breaks, allowing 17 per game, which ranks them 21st in the NBA. Teams also score fewer points on LA’s turnovers, averaging 18.3 per game, which puts the Lakers slightly above the middle of the pack and 13th in the NBA.

Moving from the worst to the middle isn’t a huge success, but it’s a step in the right direction. Given the Lakers’ poor defensive performance, they need to get their wins where they can.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.