JJ Redick pressures Luka Doncic to defend more and better

The Los Angeles Lakers found an unexpected boost in defense during their recent victory over the Suns, thanks to the contagious level of defensive intensity that Jarred Vanderbilt displayed from the bench. That energy, according to the coaching staff, needs to extend to the team's stars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, to maintain consistency on the other end of the court.

That was the clear message that coach JJ Redick conveyed to Doncic and James. "Yes, it was good," Doncic commented on the conversation. "We talked about many things, not just that, but he was right. We have to give a little more, especially the star players. That's up to us. Especially at the start of the game, we have to begin better. But I think we did a good job in Phoenix. The plan was focused on us and our defensive mentality, so I think we did quite well."

The next defensive challenge for the Lakers will come this Thursday in Salt Lake City when they face the Utah Jazz. The Utah team features Lauri Markkanen, a 2.16-meter player averaging 27.8 points per game, posing a tough matchup, and Keyonte George, a young guard averaging 23.5 points and 6.8 assists. The Jazz rank fourth in the league in pace, ninth in points scored, second in assists, and are among the top teams in rebounds, promising a demanding challenge for the Lakers.

"We have to approach each game the same way," pointed out Doncic. "In the NBA, any team is dangerous, so at some point someone can score 40 points. They have Markkanen and then George. They can reach 40 any night. We have to focus on ourselves and play every game the same way."

The intensity shown by Vanderbilt was key in the victory over Phoenix. In just 15 minutes on the court, he recorded seven points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block, after playing only three minutes in the previous ten games. "Vando's minutes were huge," commented Gabe Vincent. "He did what we all know he can do: be disruptive on defense, grab rebounds, and generate extra possessions, things we desperately needed. His spark from the bench was crucial."

The Lakers' Objective

Now, the Lakers' objective is to maintain that defensive intensity and play with the same aggression. "It's about effort," said Jake LaRavia. "If we simply give that kind of effort every night... there are many players on the team who can spread that energy. Vando does it, Marcus Smart does it sometimes, and I also try to lead the team by being physical and contagious."

Despite these improvements, the Lakers still have room to grow defensively. Currently, they rank 17th in points allowed (116.7), 24th in field goal percentage allowed (48.1%), and 28th in three-pointers allowed (38.1%). "You have to go out and do it," LaRavia concluded. "There's nothing a coach can say or a teammate can impose. It's each player's job to give the effort on defense, and that's contagious. It spreads throughout the team."

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