Lakers' Mozgov wants to 'be more physical and hit people around'

Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton thinks center Timofey Mozgov has "had some ups and down this year" and Mozgov concedes he can do much better on defense.

“I need to pick it up, be more physical and hit people around,” Mozgov said, according to the O.C. Register's Mark Medina. “It’s not like killing someone, but being stronger.”

The center was averaging eight points and 4.9 rebounds entering Tuesday. Walton thinks Mozgov's legs might be a little tired, but thinks the team is fine with the way he's playing.

Walton doesn't believe the Lakers defensive issues - they're near the bottom of the league in almost every defensive category - is a direct result of Mozgov.

“I still have to do my job,” Mozgov said. “It doesn’t matter what’s going on. We have five guys on the court. We have to pick up each other. It doesn’t matter who breaks. It’s important for guys to know there’s somebody behind his back every time. It’s all about hustle. If you want to be good on defense, you have to want to play defense. You have to take it personal.”

The 30-year-old had 14 points and five rebounds in Tuesday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Mozgov signed a four-year, $64-million contract last summer.