The Lakers have forged an unlikely defensive identity early in the 2017-2018 season, as Darius & I noted in the most recent Laker Film Room Podcast. They’re long, active, and aggressive, employing a style that is intended to catalyze their transition game on the offensive end. Yet that aggression can be used against them, and the Portland Trailblazers did just that in a 113-110 win over the Lakers on Thursday night.

In this installment of Laker Film Room, I take a look at how the Blazers back cut the Lakers’ ball denial, stretched their defense out to the half court line, and continually exploited poor weak side defense in pick and roll situations.

The goal of Laker Film Room is to provide Lakers fans with consistent, thoughtful content that helps you enjoy the game on a deeper level. I’m able to do that because I don’t work for a publication that demands that I cover the most sensational material, which typically gets the most views and clicks. As a result, I rely on the support of Lakers fans to help me produce my work. If you believe in what I do, please considering support my work on either Venmo or Patreon.