When it comes to identity in the NBA, the foundational qualities that define how a team will perform on most nights are usually forged over the course of a season. Teams find their rhythm, discover what works, and align themselves with a consistent style of play. However, there are elements of identity that go beyond strategy and effort — traits that can’t be taught but are simply ingrained in the DNA of a team or its players.
The Los Angeles Lakers began the season with a clear focus: outscore opponents to compensate for their defensive shortcomings. It seemed like a practical approach given the perceived vulnerabilities on defense. But in a surprising turnaround, the team has recently leaned into a more robust defensive effort, fueled by sheer determination and energy. This shift has undeniably contributed to their recent surge in performance. Yet, certain aspects of a team’s identity — the innate qualities — cannot be altered.
Take Monday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons as a case in point. The Lakers, at times, demonstrated speed and physicality. They pushed the pace, attempted to dominate in spurts, and gave flashes of grit. But against a team like Detroit, whose identity is rooted in being physical and athletic, the Lakers’ efforts only highlighted their own deficiencies. The Pistons didn’t need to “try” to be big, strong, or tough; they just are. For the Lakers, it’s an ongoing struggle to emulate those traits.
LeBron James, of course, has long been the exception. Throughout his illustrious career, he has epitomized physical dominance, blending strength, agility, and basketball IQ in ways no one else can replicate. But even LeBron, 22 seasons into his NBA journey, cannot single-handedly elevate the Lakers to match the raw physicality of younger, hungrier teams like the Pistons. Detroit’s younger core, led by Cade Cunningham, relentlessly attacked the Lakers, exploiting their lack of size and athleticism to grind out a 117-114 victory.
Cunningham’s performance wasn’t flawless; he needed 25 shots to score 20 points. However, his persistent aggression had a cumulative effect. Players like Max Christie and Austin Reaves, tasked with guarding him, expended significant energy trying to slow him down. It wasn’t a one-and-done situation. The effort required to contain Cunningham bled into other areas of the game, draining the Lakers’ energy reserves.
Despite trailing by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, the Lakers mounted a late comeback. They clawed their way back to within three points in the final 30 seconds. Anthony Davis had a chance to close the gap even further with a driving layup, but a foul call was overturned after Detroit’s challenge. On the final possession, with 3.7 seconds left, the Lakers drew up a play for LeBron James, who missed an open three-pointer at the buzzer.
“It was something we work on,” James said about his final shot. “We work on end-of-game stuff every day. We got the look we wanted, and it just didn’t go.”
While the loss was undoubtedly frustrating, it also served as a testament to the Lakers’ evolving understanding of how they need to play. The team’s offensive output was bolstered by a season-high 14 successful three-pointers, providing a glimpse of what they can achieve when shots are falling. But even with improved shooting, the physical disparity between the two teams was glaring.
One statistic underscored this difference: the Lakers committed 20 turnovers, leading to 28 points for the Pistons. In contrast, the Pistons only turned the ball over 12 times, with the Lakers scoring nine points off those mistakes. Anthony Davis acknowledged the impact of these turnovers, saying, “We were just loose with the ball. … We were trying to make the right plays. But they do a good job of creating turnovers, and it’s hard to win a game with 20. We’ve just got to be better with the basketball. Everybody. I think that’s what was the difference in the game.”
Austin Reaves, who was responsible for six of those turnovers, was candid about his struggles. “They’re a really aggressive defensive team, and myself personally, I didn’t handle it well,” he admitted.
LeBron James led the Lakers with a triple-double: 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. All four other starters scored in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Detroit’s bench, which outscored the Lakers’ reserves 52-28. Former Laker Malik Beasley contributed 21 points off the bench for the Pistons, further emphasizing the depth disparity between the two teams.
The tone of the game was defined by the Pistons’ ability to win the small, often-overlooked battles that determine possessions. Their ball pressure disrupted the Lakers’ offensive rhythm. Their physicality on screens created just enough space for shooters. Their effort on the glass resulted in second-chance opportunities. These seemingly minor details added up to a significant advantage.
To their credit, the Lakers didn’t back down. They fought hard, but as LeBron pointed out, there are limits to what effort alone can achieve. “We gotta be stronger. That’s all,” he said. “… We gotta do it as a team. We gotta help guys get open. When guys are pressuring the ball, you gotta help guys screen better. You gotta use your triple-threat (position). When you have a live dribble, get guys up off you.”
Yet, even as he outlined these adjustments, James acknowledged an uncomfortable truth: “It’s not something you can learn, though. You don’t learn to be more physical. It’s either in you or it’s not.”
This reality underscores the challenge facing the Lakers. While they can refine their strategies, improve their execution, and pour more energy into every possession, they can’t change who they fundamentally are. Against physical, athletic teams like the Pistons, that gap will always be a hurdle to overcome.
Monday’s game offered a mix of frustration and hope. The Lakers’ ability to stay competitive despite their flaws shows resilience, but the path to becoming a more complete team remains steep. As the season progresses, their journey will hinge on finding ways to minimize their weaknesses while maximizing their strengths. Whether they can strike that balance consistently remains to be seen.
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