Overview
- The coach said the staff is “looking at everything,” warning continued failures will trigger changes to the current nine-man rotation.
- The Lakers entered Friday with a 116.7 defensive rating, 21st in the NBA, while allowing a league‑worst 21.6 fast‑break points per game over their last seven contests.
- San Antonio’s 132-119 NBA Cup quarterfinal win underscored the issue, with the Spurs piling up 27 fast‑break points and punishing early-offense gaps.
- Jarred Vanderbilt, a strong perimeter defender who has played only three minutes across the last 10 games, could get opportunities despite his offensive limitations.
- Austin Reaves is out with a left calf strain and will be re‑evaluated in about a week, as an upcoming visit to Phoenix looms as another test of L.A.’s transition defense.