Top 3 defensive performers for the LA Lakers during the 2020-21 NBA season

#2 LeBron James

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Another player who unfortunately missed a lot of regular-season games for the LA Lakers, LeBron James' displays for the team were not only missed on the offensive end but in defense as well.

"The King," at age 36, is an essential player on the LA Lakers' defense, even if he is not always guarding the opposition's best scorer. James registered a Defensive Rating of 106.1 and finished fourth in the entire NBA in that regard.

Steve Kerr on LeBron James: "We've probably played against LeBron 40 times over the last six, seven years, maybe more...LeBron is always a brilliant basketball player in every facet, and that includes his defense."

— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) May 18, 2021

He was third on the team in Defensive Win Shares, third in Defensive Box Plus/Minus and was 15th in the NBA in Defensive Box Plus/Minus.

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#1 Alex Caruso

Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets is guarded by Alex Caruso #4 of the LA Lakers.

To follow what LA Lakers' coach Frank Vogel said about Alex Caruso, he should've been heavily considered for an All-Defensive selection.

The LA Lakers' high-energy guard was definitely a huge spark for the team's defense throughout the entire 2020-21 NBA season. Caruso was often the head of the LA Lakers' defensive gameplan, providing pressure on the rival's backcourt and not giving up on any play.

Look at the defense from Alex Caruso. pic.twitter.com/oRcmMb3oRK

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) May 28, 2021

Although he did not qualify for the league leaders in terms of Defensive Rating, Caruso matched LeBron James' team-best performance in that regard, with a 106 Defensive Rating in the regular season.

He was second-best on the LA Lakers' roster in Defensive Box Plus/Minus. He was still rewarded in terms of all-defensive votes, as he was the most voted player on the LA Lakers roster.

Cavs Rumor: Cleveland believed to be interested in Alex Caruso(by @ChadNerdCorp) #AlexCaruso #Cavs #NBARumors https://t.co/SzOd9wWFoF

— Factory of Sadness (@FanSidedFoS) July 22, 2021

The LA Lakers face a big decision this offseason with Caruso as he is an unrestricted free agent and will definitely have many teams looking at him as a nice addition.

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