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Los Angeles Lakers: Byron Scott Says He Needs More From Carlos Boozer

By Wes Goldberg

Oct 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (10) drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (10) drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-4, and can blame the defense for the poor start. Head coach Byron Scott specifically called out his bigs to pick up their game.

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Despite Mike D’Antoni taking flack for the Los Angeles Lakers’ bad defense the last two seasons (and to be fair, it was really bad), it turns out Byron Scott’s defense is even worse.

So far this season, the Lakers are the worst defense in the NBA, allowing 118 points per game and giving up a 50.5 field-goal percentage to opponents. Last season, the Lakers gave up 109.2 points per game and ranked 29th. Still bad, but not as bad. Luckily this Lakers team has some time to right the ship.

Scott identified the team’s front court as the primary issue.

More from Medina’s story for the Los Angeles Daily News.

"“Our bigs got to do a better job,” Scott said. “You’re playing against teams like this that run multiple pick and rolls, if we’re trying to trap it, our bigs got to be up there. If we’re trying a hard show, our bigs got to get up there.”"

If Scott wanted good pick-and-roll defense, he probably shouldn’t be coaching a team with Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill as his primary big men. Both are skilled on offense, but leave much to be desired defensively. After all, there is a reason Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau benched Boozer at the end of games for Taj Gibson–a much better defender.

Still, it’s good that Scott can indentify one problem out of the many for this Lakers squad. Best to start with the basics, like defending and executing the pick-and-roll. Oh, and maybe add some 3-point shooting in there? HAHA nah, just kidding.

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