The Los Angeles Lakers on Monday won their first preseason game over the Sacramento Kings, but fans of the Purple and Gold have more to celebrate than just the win.
Oct 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play dfirst quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Lakers “teased their new defensive identity” in the 127-103 win, reports Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times, a new strategy built on energy.
What’s the Lakers’ new defense look like?
The Lakers opened the game by forcing a shot-clock violation, and that possession was indicative of the Lakers’ plans going forward.
“We all had fun out there,” said superstar Luka Doncic. “Especially with Matisse [Thybulle] and Ziaire [Williams], just that beginning of the game, the start, that’s contagious for everybody, and how they start the game, it was inspirational.”
The “contagious” aspect was firmly established at halftime, when coaches showed the team a clip of Williams guarding the ball full court.
That energy encouraged Doncic and Thybulle to do the same.
“You don’t wanna be the only guy out there that’s not being physical, not picking up full, not being a pest,” Williams said. “Coming in, I knew that I saw that the team could use that, someone who could pick up full and could guard the main ballhandler and really set the tone on that end. I try to just focus on that every possession.”
How were the Lakers on defense last season?
If that energy can translate into results — more shot-clock violations, more pestering, more turnovers and missed shots — then the Lakers will likely take a big step forward.
Despite winning a playoff series in 2026, the Lakers were a relatively weak defensive team.
Mar 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Per Basketball Reference, they ranked 19th out of the 30 NBA teams with a defensive rating of 116.48.
Given the presence of scorers like Doncic and guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers have players who can rack up the points, but being able to stop the other team from scoring could turn a team that was just a playoff team last season into a title contender in 2027.
Do you think the Lakers are built to contend for a championship this season?