Byron Scott says Lakers 'better be ready to play some defense'
Following a season where the Los Angeles Lakers ranked 28th in the NBA in defensive efficiency and dead last in defensive rebound rate, Byron Scott is looking to bring some defense to the franchise where he won three championships as a player.
Of course, the Lakers have yet to officially announce Scott as their new head coach, but that apparently has to do with the two parties working through "some little details" after Scott reportedly agreed in principle to a four-year, $17-million deal on Saturday night.
His comments regarding the team's defense came in conversation with ESPN as he discussed how he's been texting Kobe Bryant throughout the summer.
"He told me he was working out with Wesley [Johnson] and Nick [Young] ," Scott said. "I told them that sounded great, but they better be ready to play some defense."
One particular area where the Lakers could stand to improve on defense is in the post. The franchise's 13.0 opponent field goals made at the rim led the NBA last season, and they also allowed a league-leading 24.4 field goals attempted at the rim per game. The acquisition of power forwards Carlos Boozer and Ed Davis will hopefully help address the issue.