During the preseason, NBA teams typically determine which lineup combinations, plays, and overall strategies work best for them. It is optimal for teams to implement their training camp developments during practice. Therefore, this period also presents an opportunity for organizations, including the Los Angeles Lakers, to identify the specific aspect of the game that requires the most attention in order to rectify their deficiencies prior to games that significantly impact the win-loss record.

As a perceptive leader, head coach Darvin Ham is well aware of the areas in which his Lakers need to improve, particularly in the wake of a humiliating 123-100 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns.Ham, as reported by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, emphasized that the team still has considerable room for improvement defensively.

Considering the team’s personnel, it is merely a matter of time before the Lakers improve their defensive performance. Anthony Davis performed admirably on Thursday night, but in order to assemble a superior defensive outfit, the complete group must be more focused and united.The Lakers’ defense deteriorated in the middle of the third quarter against the Suns; when Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and the remaining Lakers’ starters exited the game, their defense fell silent, allowing the Suns to close the deal with a 25-8 run.

Darvin Ham will be cognizant of the fact that sections featuring Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes at the helm of the defense may not be the most suitable for practice. However, that is precisely the purpose of the preseason: to instill the team with some difficult lessons that will stick with them throughout the regular season.