Lakers finding extra success with improved defense

The Lakers are rolling a little right now. Again.

Los Angeles has won six of its last seven games and, as of Wednesday, had climbed past the Timberwolves for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

The latest example came Tuesday, when the Lakers leaned on something that hasn’t always been their calling card this season. You guessed it — defense.

According to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers turned one of their season-long weaknesses into a strength during the win over Minnesota.

Center Deandre Ayton played a big role. The often inconsistent big man delivered a strong performance on both ends, something coach JJ Redick said resonated with the locker room.

“It’s great for his teammates to see him have a really good performance on both ends of the floor,” Redick said. “I think it’s bigger for DA to have a game like that against a really good team.”