Anthony Davis and LeBron James can’t hide the Lakers’ problems with the loss to the Pistons

JJ Redick, the math-savvy Lakers coach, knows the sample sizes are too small as the Lakers enter their third week of the season. Still, 27th place in something is probably at least a little concerning.

Through six games, Redick’s team ranked here in defensive efficiency, an impressive statistic considering his team is anchored by one of the NBA’s best defensive players in Anthony Davis.

“I think we can be a really good defensive team,” Redick said before Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. “I am confident that with a larger sample we will not finish 27th in the league.”

Things were probably even worse after the first half of Game 7.

Read more: Anthony Davis isn’t sure if the ongoing foot injury will continue to hamper him

Forget that the Pistons had only won twice that season, were mired in a rebuild and had no real end in sight. Forget that they played in Brooklyn the day before while the Lakers were enjoying some time off after their win in Toronto.

From the start of Monday’s game, the Lakers’ biggest problems – those on defense – were their biggest problems on the court.

The Lakers lost 115-103 to the Pistons, their first loss in Detroit since 2021, after allowing 67 points in the first half and failing to slow down their opponent in almost every aspect of the game.

“We just have to start the game with a little more pride on defense,” Redick said after the loss.

Davis led the Lakers (4-3) with 37 points and nine rebounds. LeBron James added 20 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. But the Lakers’ bench was outscored 27-10.

The pistons had a greater impact on the glass. They were quicker in the transition. They were more aggressive towards the basket. And even though they were ice cold, they were more willing to throw threes.

When asked where the defense failed early, Davis was blunt.

“Everywhere,” he said.

The early issues were severe enough to force the Lakers into a surge they couldn’t manage for most of the game.

“I just didn’t think we fought hard enough in the first half,” Austin Reaves said. “Anytime you go below 20 points at any point in the game, it’s difficult to fight back.”

Redick increased his rotation in the second half. Cam Reddish replaced Max Christie and rookie Dalton Knecht did not play after the second quarter.

Read more: LeBron James and Lakers take ‘two steps forward’ in win over Raptors

The Pistons (3-5) finished the game with 11 more shots, 18 more rebounds, nine more second-chance points and six more points in the game.

The loss to Detroit ensured the Lakers would lose five games.

“Must be better on both ends of the floor. That’s all,” James said. “I think there are times when we are good. There are times when we are not that good on both ends of the floor. There are things we are still working on.”

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.