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Lakers' Defense Fuels Championship Hopes
19 Mar
Summary
- Lakers extend winning streak to seven games.
- Team defense has dramatically improved in recent games.
- Luka Doncic leads strong MVP campaign and team offense.

The Los Angeles Lakers are making a strong case as Western Conference contenders, having won seven consecutive games. This streak includes back-to-back victories over the Houston Rockets. Their improved performance has led to a rise in NBA Finals odds, now placing them eighth at +4000, ahead of Houston.
The team's recent surge is notably attributed to a significant defensive improvement. While ranked 20th in the league for the full 2025-26 season, their defensive rating has climbed to eighth over the past 10 games, holding opponents to 106 points or fewer.
Furthermore, the Lakers' net rating has also seen a substantial jump. They are now 14th overall at +1.2 and sixth over their last 15 games at +6.9. The starting lineup, featuring Luka Doncic and LeBron James, has achieved a positive net rating of +8.4 per 100 possessions.
Doncic has been instrumental, averaging 33.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, with strong 3-point shooting since the All-Star break. His past success, including a Finals appearance, bolsters the Lakers' championship aspirations.




