In 2025-26, one key factor that set the playoff-contending Lakers apart from other championship-caliber teams was their willingness to commit to defense. Critics across NBA media claimed the Lakers’ defensive concerns were why they weren’t truly championship contenders.
Now Austin Reaves seems confident they have overcome that hurdle this season, with key roster additions bolstering their defensive line. Speaking to reporters after day two of training camp, Reaves shared his optimism about the Lakers’ defense in the coming season, especially with key defenders like Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Walker Kessler.
“Let me tell you, trying to score on Matisse and Ziaire, especially with Adou out there too, and then Walker on the back line, is not easy. I had to deal with that all day yesterday and today, and it’s not fun.”
“Defensively, we’re gonna be much better. Those guys compete every possession, and everybody else fills in their roles and plays the right way. I see how special we can be,” Austin Reaves explained.
“They all annoy the hell out of me. As I said, Matisse and Ziaire were on the same team yesterday, and it wasn’t my team, which wasn’t fun. But it’s good to just get those reps in early.”
“I think they’re two of the best defenders in the league. They can guard multiple positions; they’re long, and Matisse’s anticipation is top tier. I’m excited to have them on our team and see what they can do,” he further added.
“Adou has been guarding me all summer when we’ve been playing pickup and stuff. He’s a freak of nature, moves as well as anybody. One of the best athletes in the league.”
“Once he starts thinking about the game more, as we’ve talked about a lot this summer, he’s asked a lot of questions. So he’s very interested in learning, and that’s what he needs,” Reaves concluded.
In 2025-26, the Lakers were the 15th-best defense in the league by team defensive rating (116.2) and the ninth-best offense by offensive rating (117.2).
A common belief across the league is that a team must be among the top ten in both offense and defensive ratings to be considered truly championship-caliber. The Thunder, the Spurs, and the Knicks– all three of those teams were top five in the league for both categories last season.
So for the Lakers to become a championship-contending team, their defensive additions this summer, like Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, are almost as important as the offense Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will lead.
The Lakers’ offensive competence was never in doubt, but how far they advance this season may depend on their defense.
With the addition of Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Matisse Thybulle, the Lakers have strengthened their defense and may move closer to contention.