How LeBron James led the way for the Lakers’ physical defense

LeBron James’ defense led the Lakers to a win in Game 2, evening the series with the Wolves.

On Tuesday, a heavyweight fight occurred in Los Angeles, as the Lakers muscled past the Timberwolves for a 94-85 victory.

This game evolved into a defensive duel, a rarity in the modern era. In that battle, the Lakers were led by LeBron James, who set the tone for the physical nature that this contest demanded.

L.A. led by 19 after the first quarter and never relinquished that advantage.

The Lakers struck first with a clear motive to remedy the poor effort and focus exhibited in Game 1. Minnesota attempted to reduce the deficit but never threatened, with the closest it came being nine.

This focused and determined Lakers team embodied much more of the one that closed the season. It starts with their defensive anchor and leader, LeBron, who, in 39 minutes, put up 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, a block and a steal.

“His leadership has been terrific,” head coach J.J. Redick said pregame. “He has been vocal in all the film sessions, meetings, court work, or walk-through stuff. Defensive breakdown stuff. Yesterday was a great day for him.”

LeBron backed up that Monday practice with a Tuesday defensive masterpiece.

As has been the routine, Jaxson Hayes exited the game early in the first for Dorian Finney-Smith.

This moved LeBron to center, against Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert. Watch the clip below as the Wolves isolate Julius Randle on the wing, who Austin Reaves is defending.

LeBron’s responsibility is to discourage the drive, then box out and wrestle with the big man down low. Even at 40, LeBron still has a physical advantage.

The Lakers sandwiched Gobert on the rebound, causing him to lose it out of bounds. These ground battles are critical to the Lakers' success in this series. Even with the Lakers going small, they won the rebounding battle 41-34.

An additional point of emphasis coming into Game 2 was the defense at the 3-point line. After connecting on 21 of 42 3-pointers in Game 1, Minnesota went 5-25 in Game 2. A much more locked-in game plan of getting to shooters defensively, not allowing easy drive and kick opportunities.

This, again, starts with LeBron.

Naz Reid checked in late in the first quarter. After converting on six 3-pointers in Game 1, the Lakers had him at the top of their scouting report.

The Lakers moved from a passive switching style in Game 1 to an aggressive and hawkish one in Game 2.

In the clip below, watch as LeBron first points out where every defender should be positioned, notably Gabe Vincent. He instantly pressures Reid on the catch before Minnesota flows this into a ball screen.

L.A.’s activity forces Dante DiVincenzo to drive right into Vincent's help defense, resulting in a charge.

With L.A.’s complete adoption of this small-ball identity, communication and speed in rotations are essential. Reid finished with just one made 3-pointer on Tuesday.

Late in the fourth quarter, LeBron continued leading the defensive charge. A big storyline of Game 1 was how the Lakers defended Anthony Edwards and if any schematic changes were needed.

Los Angeles largely maintained a similar defensive game plan, with crisper rotations and intentions regarding where to send help.

Watch in the clip below as Edwards isolates against Rui Hachimura at the top of the key. LeBron is in a strong side help position, oscillating between pinching in and recovering to the corner against Jaden McDaniels.

LeBron forces the pass out to the corner while still recovering to run McDaniels off the 3-point line, right into synchronized help from Luka Dončić to force a miss. Without a secure rebound, no defensive possession is complete. LeBron knows this better than anyone and secures the board.

The connected defense against Edwards will significantly influence how this series unfolds. After allowing nine assists in Game 1, L.A. held Edwards to just one on Tuesday evening.

To ice the game, watch below as LeBron recorded his only steal, picking off Edwards and finishing on the other end. This put the Lakers back up 11, holding off the Wolves and clinching a victory in this must-win Game 2.

One advantage theorized when the Lakers completed the blockbuster deal for Dončić was LeBron's ability to now focus his energy on the defensive end, with the reduced offensive responsibility. That idea seems to be unfolding, as LeBron led the way on Tuesday and will continue to be relied upon to lead this defense as the series progresses.

Game 3 is set for Friday in Minnesota.