Lakers are aware that defensive communication has been lacking in recent losses

After falling apart in the third quarter and losing to the Magic on the road, the Lakers acknowledged their recent defensive shortcomings.

When the Lakers traded their best defensive player, Anthony Davis, for offensive superstar Luka Dončić, there was a concern that the team's defense would suffer.

However, the Lakers were a great defensive team immediately following the trade.

During the first month of the Dončić era, L.A. had a 106.9 defensive rating...