The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. This is a fact that has been noted and repeated across the association landscape, and there is ample evidence to support the belief that Los Angeles can be trusted to allow points at virtual will.

However, after their worst defensive performance of the season, the Lakers have started a trend that could make them real contenders.

Los Angeles recently went on a three-game losing streak, falling to the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. They fell to Orlando in a heartbreaking 119-118 loss and were beaten by Denver 127-102 and Phoenix 127-100.

The results unfortunately highlight the problems that cause the Lakers to finish in the bottom five of the NBA in defensive rating.

However, in the three games since then, the Lakers have lost 2-1. They secured victories over the San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz and lost by just eight points to the Oklahoma City Thunder 15-5 – a disappointing result, but one that had professionals to consider.

Los Angeles has faced opponents of varying quality in the last three games, but the consistent theme has been a drastic improvement in defense.

The Lakers traveled to San Antonio and defeated the Spurs by a margin of 119-101. Seven different players scored in double figures, with rookie Dalton Knecht leading the way with 20 points and eight rebounds on 8 of 15 shooting.

The Lakers not only shone with their balance in terms of scoring, but also held the Spurs to 42.4 percent of field shots and only 42 points in the game.

Los Angeles lost its next game 101-93 to the Thunder, but even then the reason for optimism remained. It continued to allow offensive rebounds at an alarming rate, but still held Oklahoma City to 101 points and shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from distance.

In the next game, the Lakers defeated the Jazz 105-104 in a road win that increased their road record to .500 at 5-5.

Utah shot efficiently, but Los Angeles forced 15 turnovers, committed just five themselves and held their opponents to a respectable eight offensive rebounds. It was perhaps the most mesmerizing performance of the three, even though the Jazz fell to 4-16.

The Lakers’ defense adapted to the opponent and made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves – holding the Jazz to 48 points in the second half.

Adaptability on defense is an essential trait that every team must possess, but the Lakers have struggled to display it so far. Fortunately, the last three games have started a trend that could propel the team into the next tier of NBA contenders.

The Lakers have a brutal schedule ahead, but this improvement on defense could make the road ahead a lot easier to navigate.