Why key stat provides optimism for Lakers’ defense

The Lakers’ ability to force turnovers is an early bright spot as they try to improve a defence that has been only middling so far. Their aggressive play could help raise their defensive ceiling while also creating scoring chances for an offence that already leads the league.

Through nine games, Los Angeles ranked second in defensive turnover percentage at 18.8%, just behind Toronto’s 19.1%, and had forced at least 14 turnovers in every game. The Lakers scored a league-high 23.4 points per game off turnovers and ranked eighth in half-court defence. Coach JJ Redick said players should disrupt opponents within the team’s defensive schemes, while areas to improve include defensive rebounding and avoiding turnovers of their own.