LeBron James, Lakers
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Los Angeles Lakers have held their opponents under 105 points in three straight games, all of which resulted in victories. The latest of those strong defensive efforts came on Tuesday night, when LeBron James and Co. beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 110-101, to extend their winning streak to three.
The latest turn of events is a huge development for a Lakers team that ranks 22nd in defensive rating and 26th in opponent field goal percentage (.484) through 61 games. However, during their last three games, the Lakers ran fifth in defensive rating, holding opponents to just 102.0 points per 100 possessions.
So, have the Lakers truly turned their defense around?
Lakers Defensive Improvement
After Tuesday’s game, LeBron James detailed the new schemes implemented by head coach JJ Redick’s staff that have helped him and his teammates.
“I think so,” James said if the Lakers defense has truly improved, via LakersNation.
“I think we’ve made some strides defensively. We didn’t play much at all in zone tonight. We started the game out with it, we kind of went away from it. I thought the man-to-man defense was pretty good. Jaxson [Hayes] and Marcus [Smart] were great on that end and then everybody else trickled in as well.”
Daniel Starkand
LeBron on if the Lakers have improved defensively:
“I think so. I think we’ve made some strides defensively. We didn’t play much at all in zone tonight. We started the game out with it, we kind of went away from it. I thought the man-to-man defense was pretty good. Jaxson
Lakers Win Third in a Row
During their three-game winning streak, the Lakers also rank third in offensive rating (121.9) and fifth in net rating (19.9), while also ranking top-three in defense. Some have tried to undermine the streak by highlighting that the wins have come against three subpar teams: the Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings and the Pelicans.
However, the Lakers had every reason to be thrilled with their win on Tuesday, especially since they needed to go on a late fourth-quarter run to pull it off.
“We fought, but it was one of those good fights,” said Marcus Smart, who finished with 10 points, seven assists, four steals and three blocks, via The Orange County Register.
“Even though we were down and things were looking a little shady for us, not once did you know, on the bench, did anybody start freaking out or start panicking. And you know, that’s what you need, especially in those chaotic moments.”
Luka Doncic explained why the Lakers needed to be tested.
“I think we responded in a good way,” said the Slovenian, who led the team with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
“Sometimes you got to win playing bad. That’s what good teams do. I think that’s what it is today. Obviously it wasn’t our best game, but we managed to get a win.”