Lakers Look To Dominate the NBA’s Worst Team
The Los Angeles Lakers conclude their East Coast trip tomorrow against the worst team in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks are in a three-way tie with the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz for the worst record in the league, and tomorrow doesn’t get any easier for them as they face the Lakers, who have the best record in the NBA.
What makes this Bucks team so horrid? Their defense is abysmal. The team has a multitude of offensively gifted players, including Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Ryan Rollins. But where they lack is perimeter defense. Milwaukee is currently ranked fourth-worst in opponent midrange field goal percentage.
With a backcourt of Herro and Burries carrying the offensive load, that energy isn’t reciprocated on the defensive end. In fact, the majority of this roster lacks perimeter defensive capabilities. When you combine that with lackadaisical effort, you get the perfect concoction of a terrible defense.
The Bucks have plenty of numbers near the bottom of the league, including offensive, defensive, rebounding, and net ratings. But those rankings only tell part of the story. Here’s what to watch for when they face the Lakers.
What To Expect in TOMORROW’S Game
Where these two clubs are similar is in pace of play. According to TeamRankings.com, both are slightly above average in pace, so neither team truly has to adjust. The Lakers rank 23rd in turnovers, while the Bucks are tied for 21st. If we can play a clean game, this game shouldn’t even be close. But we’ve seen in the previous two matchups against the Hawks and Pistons that the Lakers have been playing with their food.
After a day of rest, I believe the Lakers will come out as the sharper team. The Bucks will play the New York Knicks tonight before facing the Lakers tomorrow. This roster has few bucket-makers and even fewer shot-creators, so Milwaukee may not have the creativity to put the Lakers’ defense in panic mode.
This could very well be a stat-padding night on the boards for the Lakers. Milwaukee’s high volume of 3-point attempts, especially if the team can’t create plays elsewhere, could lead to plenty of empty possessions. Boxing out tomorrow may very well be a social construct.
The Bucks’ Size Could Challenge The Lakers
Where this Bucks team can become dangerous is on the defensive interior, with a frontcourt featuring Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware. If the Lakers have an off night from deep, that’s where this no-brainer win can turn into a trap game.
The Bucks also have Tyler Herro, the best wide-open 3-point shooter. He’s converting 60% from deep when defenders are at least 6 feet away, and A.J. Green is a flamethrower.
All in all, this is a brand-new Bucks team with several new faces from the Giannis trade. They’ll get better, though I’m unsure how much, as these pieces continue to find their roles. Still, the Bucks may have more than they can chew with MVP frontrunner Luka Dončić leading the Lakers and Austin Reaves possibly returning from an illness.
Expect Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams to rise to the occasion, play their roles, and knock down shots when the opportunities come, helping the Lakers dice up the Bucks’ defense. If they do, the Lakers should close out their East Coast trip with a win.
