How the Lakers constructed a game plan to slow down the Blazers

Before the Portland Trail Blazers began their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers, they were the toughest team in the NBA, placing an offensive rating of 122.5 in the eight seeding games they played. Even before the season started again, they were among the best offensive teams in the league.

However, since the start of the postseason, the Trail Blazers have posted an offensive rating of 98, which is the least offensive rating of the 16 remaining teams. That might have something to do with the fact that they went up to the team with the best defensive rating so far, the Lakers.

It’s no secret that the Lakers have struggled to find their offense in Orlando, but their defense has been consistent. For example, when the Lakers dropped Game 1 to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, they held Portland to 100 points, which is something no other team has done since Feb. 4.

Much has changed in the five months that have passed since the suspension of the season, but LeBron James does not feel like the Lakers have ever lost that edge on defense.

“From the first day of training camp, we wanted to be the best defensive team in the league, so nothing has changed,” James told the Lakers’ Game 3 on Saturday. “The mindset has not changed. We’ve had some explosive offensives this year … But the main thing has always been the main thing, and that’s defensible. And that’s exactly who we’ve always been.

‘There will be games where your crime just does not make shots, but just does not play well. You need to be able to defend and give yourself a chance. That’s exactly who we’ve always been. That hasn’t changed since the first day we stepped on the floor of training camp. ‘

The leader of the charge for the Lakers on defense is Alex Caruso. While Caruso Kentavious did not defeat Caldwell-Pope for the starting lineup during the seeding games, he is averaging 24.3 minutes per game in the playoffs due to the stellar defense he played, especially on Damian Lillard.

Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool / Getty Images

In the 55.4 share possessions, Lillard is defended by Caruso, he shoots 41.2% of the field, according to NBA.com. For context, Lillard has shot 63.6% of the field in the 43.1 share possessions he has defended by Caldwell-Pope.

While Caruso was modest about the success he had in his defensive matchup with Lillard, he recognized the importance of the Lakers’ ability to include Lillard as much as any team can.

“Damian Lillard is easily the hottest player in the bubble, maybe outside of Devin Booker, but in the playoffs for sure,” Caruso said. ‘And just one of the best point guards in the league, if that’s not the best. Of course, you have to be ready to play defense with five guys coming up against him. Proper screens come off, making sure the size is up and making sure there is constant pressure on it. Just try to give him different looks. Because when he gets comfortable, everyone knows what he’s capable of. ”

But sometimes even the best defense does not work against Lillard and CJ McCollum, so all Lakers can really keep up the pressure in situations like that and hope that a few possessions go their way. So far, it has worked out for them.

“We’re just trying to stay defensive as well as aggressive on their guards,” Vogel said. “We have the ultimate respect for their fireworks. We work really hard. We know what their coverage is and we will not be comfortable … on the defensive side of the ball while those guys are there. We just know we really have to point to that end of the floor if we are to win this series. ”

If the Lakers try to rediscover their rhythm on offense, they will continue to hang their hats on the defensive end because it’s an area they know they have control over.

“Attempt, that’s all it is,” Anthony Davis said. ‘Defense is all about effort. You have to want to play defense. Everyone in our dressing room took that challenge first and foremost [Lillard and McCollum]. We want to be a great defensive team. We do not want to rely on our failure to win games. We want to do it on the defensive end. ”

“It’s time to leave it all in court,” Caruso added. ‘When I see an opening, I’ll watch it and that’s just the culture of our team. Every time there is a play to be made, whoever is there to make it. “

The Lakers will look Monday to take an upcoming lead against the Trail Blazers. Tip-off is nationwide on TNT and Spectrum SportsNet locally at 6 p.m.

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