USA Today via Reuters
Nov 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) moves in for a basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) moves in for a basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After a close victory in the first game against the Rockets, the Lakers seem to have taken things lightly on defense. The former are looking to capitalize on a rusty-looking Lakers. In the last game, they restricted the Rockets to under 100 points. However, in an ugly twist of fate, they restricted themselves to under 100 points as well.
While we know Frank Vogel for his defensive tactics and skills as a coach, it looks like today the team has decided to not take a lot of pressure on the defense. As a result, the Rockets scored their highest points in a quarter so far this season. And fans couldn’t believe how loosely the Lakers have played on defense tonight.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Purple and Gold Fans react to their team’s poor defense tonight
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Lakers defense pic.twitter.com/OGfTcryOaS
— 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 ⁵💫 ₍₃₋₄₎ (@EliteLakeShow_) November 3, 2021
vogel, explaining defense to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/Ui5sbT38bN
— halsey and1 (@halseyandone) November 3, 2021
Play some DAMN DEFENSE @Lakers
— Emory Ogletree II (@THEMcGodiva) November 3, 2021
The lakers defense is fucking ass
— 824🕊 (@JoeyMenacee) November 3, 2021
Last game offense was shit so this game we decide to make the defense shit. Nice try Lakers👏
— ¹⁹ (@DanielCfc_7) November 3, 2021
I see Lakers just not gone play any defense tonight. Bet
— Lesh (@__leshh) November 3, 2021
Lakers can’t keep a lead for more than 2 seconds! Wtf. Defense is getting exposed EVERY play.
— J.N.B (@youngbossJNB) November 3, 2021
Lakers defense slow on ball rotation. They dont get a bench aint no ship
— Cutta (@CuttaMuzik) November 3, 2021
Lakers love centers who can't play defense
— 'Desert Power' Rivera (@supersloth) November 3, 2021
Bro if the Lakers was actually playing some defense, we’d be fine
— Charles (@charlesniani) November 3, 2021
What does this mean for Lakers and the Rockets?
Nearing the end of the third quarter, 3 out of 5 starters have double-digit scoring for the Rockets and Lakers so far. KJ Martin and Carmelo Anthony are looking to contribute from the bench just as they did last game. After a slow start, Westbrook is currently the leading scorer on the floor for the Lakers.
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KJ Martin seems to continue his momentum from the last game. After his exceptional performance in the limited minutes he got in the first game, he has not missed a single shot so far tonight. Jalen Green has bounced back after a tough night last time. So far, he has 18 points in the game, which were all scored in the first half. Jae’Sean Tate is the leading scorer for the Rockets so far after a rather slow start to the season.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) reacts after he dunks for a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Therefore, this impressive performance from the Rockets’ youngsters could be attributed to them buckling up and performing to the best of their abilities.
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Nevertheless, could the Lakers’ defense be the reason this game is as close as it is? Their fans seem to think so.
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