Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura promise to fix the defense
In the middle Los Angeles Lakers‘ current three-game losing streak, several questions came to the forewith defense being the main one among them. The The Lakers weren’t a very good defensive team all season, but those issues were masked amid their strong start to the year. After the Lakers practice on Saturday, both Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura promised to do their part help solve the problems on defense, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
For Deandre Ayton, his contribution to the defense is not only as an anchor in the middle, but also communication with his teammates.
“I hold my guys accountable, especially starting with me,” Ayton said. “No matter how the game goes, we stick to our principles no matter what… this is how we will play in defense – hard and (with) a different effort.”
For Rui Hachimura, energy and focus were the key things he focused on defensively.
“I have to be more focused on bringing energy, physically,” Hachimura said. “Things like that will help.”
The Lakers look to end their losing streak as they host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Entering the game, the Lakers are 10th in the league in opponent points per game at 112.2. They are 15th in the league in defensive rating at 114.7. Over the past four games, the Lakers have given up their season-high points (135 on Dec. 18 vs. the Utah Jazz) and their second-highest (132 on Dec. 23 vs. the Suns).
2025-12-28 21:19:00
