This Lakers player proclaim himself the 'best defender in the world'

The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of issues coming into the next season. Last year, the team ended with a mediocre record of 33-49, which meant they missed the playoffs. The disastrous campaign was a result of, mostly, LeBron James and Anthony Davis injuries, but also because the team finished in the bottom ten both on offense and on defense. During their championship in the 2020 season, the team had a top 3 defense. If the team wants to be competitive, they might need to focus on defense again.

Right now, the Lakers haven't made many moves during this offseason. The best movement they have made so far is signing their best player to an extension. Just a few days ago, LeBron James signed a new deal that keeps him for two years in Lake City. But besides this movement, the Lakers haven't done much to improve a below-average roster. They still want to add Kyrie Irving, but that trade looks less probable by the day.

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Last year, Carmelo Anthony was the Lakers' best defender with a rating of 114, but he is no longer in the team. Now, they have a player in the G-League who believes that he is the best defender in the world. South Bay Lakers guard Nate Pierre-Louis believes that he has what it takes to be an elite defender at the NBA level. During his time in the League, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

During the offseason, Pierre-Louis got a chance to play in the summer league, where he showed he could be a good defender. Maybe it's time for the Lakers to add a player that has, not only the game, but also the confidence to play as a top defender. Let's not forget that LeBron James has been a great defender during his career, but he's no longer the defender he once was. The team has to help James to win games, maybe Pierre-Louis is what they need.

Lakers latest power ranking standing

The Lakers still look like a below-average team and that's why ESPN have them falling to 17th spot. Without any notable moves during the offseason, they put the Lakers around where they finished last season, if any a two-place improvement. This would help them to enter the playoffs, where any team has a chance.