Lakers Are A Very Defensive-Oriented Team

So far this season, the Lakers rank 1st in opponent’s points per game (103.6 PPG), 7th in opponent’s field goal percentage, 3rd in opponent’s three-point shooting percentage and 1st total defensive rating. They are once again one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, which is why adding PJ Tucker makes a lot of sense.

Tucker is one of the most physical, hard-nosed defenders in the NBA and because of his lateral quickness and big frame, he can virtually guard any position. With Anthony Davis being one of the league’s top interior defenders, the Lakers could utilize Tucker as a wing defender. 

Thirteen Lakers players currently rank inside of the Top-100 in individual defensive rating this season and adding PJ Tucker would give them yet another Top-100 defender. Tucker is one of the better defenders in the league year-in and year-out and for a “one-year rental,” the Lakers could really benefit and potentially win another championship because of what he brings to the table defensively. 

You can never have too many reliable defenders, especially in today’s NBA where teams are putting an emphasis on scoring instead of defending. The Lakers are the opposite and it has worked for them, as they won the championship last year and are looking to do so again this year.

Adding PJ Tucker to their already championship defense makes the Lakers even better on that end of the court and makes them even more difficult to score against.