The Los Angeles Lakers are having trouble winning games again. They are on a three-game losing skid following a 118-106 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic on Monday to start a homestand.
There is surely something that is causing this Lakers slump, but in the eyes of Los Angeles guard Austin Reaves, it’s not because of anything related to the players’ chemistry on the court.
“I don’t think [the chemistry] is the problem. We’re happy to get everyone back healthy,” the former Oklahoma Sooners star said after the game (h/t Spectrum SportsNet).
One reason behind the Lakers’ struggles of late is their defense. In fact, Los Angeles has a 130.4 defensive rating in its last three outings – the worst in the NBA in that stretch. The Lakers’ perimeter defense hasn’t been up to par, with teams making 15 3-pointers on a 38.8 percent success rate in the same span.
“Just guarding your yard. We have to do it as a collective group. Every single possession. We gotta have five guys on a string. In spurts, it has been [good]. But that’s not good enough,” Reaves also said after the loss to the Magic.
Los Angeles Lakers will look to get back on track this Wednesday
Los Angeles has a chance to snap its skid this Wednesday when they continue their road trip, this time versus the streaking Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. The Pacers are on a five-game win streak entering this game versus the Lakers.
Los Angeles, however, has won three of its last four meetings with Indiana dating back to 2023. That includes the Lakers’ 124-117 win at home on Feb. 8 in which Reaves erupted for a career-high 45 points with seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 41 minutes.
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