Lakers' genius defensive strategy makes them true title contender

It is safe to say life has been pretty sweet for fans of the Los Angeles Lakers lately. Things of course changed for this organization forever back on February 1, when the team pulled off an unthinkable blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic with the Dallas Mavericks. JJ Redick's squad was instantly given a top-five player in the sport, along with one of the most dangerous playoff performers in the NBA - not to mention, someone who can create a perfect scenario for LeBron James in his final years in the association.

Doncic's addition has given this team perhaps the best future in the league, but their present circumstances are not bad either. Everyone now seems to be acutely aware that the Lakers could make a run to the NBA Finals this season purely off the back of a spectacular playoff performance from Luka. With the snap of a finger, LA went from a top-six hopeful in the Western Conference to a near-guaranteed top-four finisher.

The Lakers are on an absolute roll, as of this writing. They are currently winners of their last eight games in a row, and they have won 14 of their last 16 overall - the only two losses coming in back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets last month, with Doncic still trying to get acclimated to playing with his new teammates.

The Lakers are daring bad shooters to beat them - and it's working

LA's success is not purely predicated on Luka and his spectacular play as of late. Yes, the superstar is averaging 30.3 points in the month of March, while shooting 40% from three and putting up 12.0 assists a night as well. But one of the Lakers' strategies on defense is really propelling their momentum at the moment - sagging off bad jump shooters and letting them shoot.

We have seen Redick employ this scheme and run it to perfection. The proof is in the numbers - in the Lakers' last five games, they have held each of their opponents to 30% shooting or worse from three-point territory. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, LA Clippers (x2) and Minnesota Timberwolves averaged a combined 26.8% shooting from beyond the arc against LA, from Feb. 27 to March 6.

A strategy typically used by teams in the playoffs, this method of defense is already paying off for the Lakers in the regular season. This is even more proof that this team is primed to perform at a high level once the calendar hits April, May and June. If Luka and the Lakers keep this up, there could be rightfully high hopes for a championship in Los Angeles this season.