In a night marked by defensive struggles, Lakers fans voiced their frustrations as Alex Len’s performance fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers faced off against the Bucks, but Len’s inability to effectively guard key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard drew particular ire from the fanbase.
Throughout the game, Len’s defensive lapses were evident. A crucial moment came early when he failed to rotate properly during a pick-and-roll, allowing Giannis to roll to the basket unchallenged. Instead of aggressively closing out on Brook Lopez, who was left wide open for a three-pointer, Len fell flat, showcasing a lack of defensive urgency.
The trend continued as Len struggled to contest shots effectively. On another play, he overcommitted to defending Lillard, leaving the backdoor open for an easy lob to the rim, resulting in a momentum-swinging dunk for the Bucks. Fans noted Len’s tendency to back off when matched against Giannis, allowing the star forward to take a comfortable shot instead of contesting it.
Critics highlighted Len’s lack of effort in transition, pointing out that he jogged back on defense rather than sprinting to prevent scoring opportunities. This pattern of disengagement, especially in critical moments of the game, led to questions about his commitment and focus on the court.
Despite the disappointing performance, it should be noted that every player has off nights. Len played only 19 minutes before being benched for the remainder of the game, a decision made by head coach Darvin Ham in response to the lack of defensive effectiveness. As the Lakers look to rebound from this loss, fans are hopeful for a return to form for Len, who has shown potential in the past. The team, still dealing with injuries, aims to regain its defensive prowess in upcoming matchups as they strive for a stronger season.