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Los Angeles Lakers showed three strengths that will lead to a title

By Jason Reed

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 05, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 05, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. The Lakers have a top-level defense

Again, one of the preseason narratives around the Los Angeles Lakers is that the team was going to be very poor defensively and that was going to be what held the team back from getting past the best teams in the Western Conference.

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And while they might not have the insane defense that the Los Angeles Clippers have, the gap there certainly is a lot closer than Clipper fans would like to admit as the Lakers gave some glimpses of that great defense on Saturday.

First and foremost, the Lakers held the Lakers to shoot just 26.2 percent from beyond the arc. Granted, this is not the Warriors team we would see in the playoffs, but a number that low is still staggering for the Golden State Warriors.

101 points is a low total for the team that still boasted Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. It is still the first preseason game of the year but we cannot ignore the positive signs.

The Lakers have a defensive-minded head coach in Frank Vogel that had some really good defensive teams in Indiana and have a great group of good defenders.

Davis is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, Danny Green is a three and D specialist and former All-Defensive Player, as is Avery Bradley, who looks to be in incredible shape and may find that great defense again.

JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard are both anchors down low that will protect the rim, Alex Caruso is an above-average defensive player and LeBron James is still a great help defender who is an above-average defender when he tries and when he does not have to shoulder all of the offensive load.

Next. Why 2019 might be only chance to win it all. dark

What was viewed as one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ weaknesses in the offseason is anything but that. It is a strength that, if utilized, will take the team to the NBA Finals.

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