It's no coincidence that the Lakers' team-shooting percentages have seen an incremental increase over the last 26 games, when they've posted a winning percentage of .692.
Since the All-Star break, the Lakers are shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three, marks slightly better than the ones they posted prior to the February recess.
With those baseline numbers covered, it's time to explore some statistics, both good and bad, that have contributed to the Lakers' successes and failures this season.
106.9: Defensive Rating
According to Basketball-Reference.com, the Lakers have recorded a defensive rating of 106.9 this season, which is equal to the number of points they allow per 100 possessions.
That mark ranks 20th in the NBA and is a major reason why the Lakers have been a fringe playoff contender all season long.
With an offense that ranks sixth in points per game (102.4) and ninth in points per 100 possessions (108.0), the Lakers have actually posted a positive net-point differential.
While they've been able to hide their porous defense behind one of the league's best offenses all season long, that strategy won't fly come playoff time.
15.1: Turnovers per game
Speaking of sloppiness, the Lakers defense has suffered as a result of their propensity to turn the ball over.
According to TeamRankings, the Lakers have turned the ball over 15.1 times per game, which ranks 25th in the NBA.
The Lakers' turnover problems have become a legitimate cause f...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
