Los Angeles Lakers (15th place in the Western Conference)

The group coached by Luke Walton is one of the weakest in the NBA at the moment, especially in terms of defense. Besides, Californians have the fourth worst defense in the league (an average of 110.5 points per game).

Lakers performed slightly better in recent days, establishing himself in two of the previous three phases. However, these successes were recorded against opponents who are experiencing domestic problems (Bucks and Knicks).

Balance in “Staples Center” is decent (12 wins and 13 defeats), but “on the road” things are disastrous for Lou Williams and company: only 7 successes and no less than 24 defeats.

Walton was brought from the Warriors last summer to build a competitive team after the retirement of legendary Kobe Bryant. He succeeded somewhat in terms of the offensive, but still fails to better organize their defense. Style game that now resembles inevitably that of neighbors in California please the eye, but it is not very productive and a very simple reason: in L.A. no players of the quality of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.

It will be very interesting to see how will this Lakers next edition, but for now, the feeling is often the only team must evolve. Hope for accession in the play-offs are not much.

Sacramento Kings (10th place in the Western Conference)

We often busy lately grouping David Joerger. Nor how we avoid it since it is one of the most spectacular and effective in the NBA during this period. Positive results are checked in the recent past with the more laudable as Kings face unavailability enough.

Band from Sacramento won four of the last five games and did it anyway, but beating teams such as Golden State Warriors (109-106), Boston Celtics (108-92 in a game in which Cousins ​​was suspended) and Atlanta Hawks (returning staggering minus 17 points).

The offensive has accustomed us with good benefits (not uncommon) which marks regularly around 107 points. Instead, the defense is worth emphasized, receiving Kings under 100 points in the games mentioned above. This performance is normal if we think the style that you prefer Joerger, a technician had managed to build the Memphis Grizzlies in previous seasons one of the most effective defenses.