Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys for success in 2021 NBA Playoffs

2. It’s all about that defense

The Lakers survived long stretches without two of the best defenders in the league this season because the rest of the squad takes defense seriously.

It isn’t just LeBron James and Anthony Davis who shine on defense. It’s Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. That’s why LA finished the regular season with the league’s best team defensive efficiency score.

In the West, the Lakers will face some of the most dangerous offenses in basketball. Stephen Curry’s Warriors will just be the beginning. The Jazz, Suns, Nuggets, Clippers and Trail Blazers all boast dangerous offensive attacks.

Frank Vogel need only point to last season’s success to remind his players of what really counts in the playoffs. In 2020, the Lakers stifled opponents on the defensive end. They did that through hustle and commitment, particularly on the boards. No one allowed fewer rebounds per game in the playoffs.