Why Lakers’ defense is vastly improved after offseason construction

In the immediate aftermath of his team’s 2025-26 season ending, Lakers coach JJ Redick clearly and plainly laid out one of the biggest points of emphasis for 2026-27. “We clearly need to have a better overall season defensively,” Redick said in May. Walker Kessler is a core reason why the Lakers should have a better defense in 2026-27. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POSTThe critique was sensible.The Lakers were coming off a regular season in which they ranked No. 18 de