Miami Heat: 3 teams that could rival Miami’s defensive prowess

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball over Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Teams that could have a better defense than the Miami Heat: Los Angeles Lakers

Despite the fact that LeBron James is an elite offensive player, the Lakers have built their foundation on defense for the past two years. It’s what won them the 2020 NBA Championship.

Having Anthony Davis in the paint is an advantage enough, but now LA has Russell Westbrook out on the perimeter, too. They could be a nasty defensive team this season.

The one downside to this argument is that they lost some solid defensive pieces this summer. Losing Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope definitely hurts.

However, they replaced them with some solid defenders, too. Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, and Dwight Howard can all get it done on that end of the floor.

The Lakers’ shooting next year is projected to be absolutely horrible. They traded away two of their better shooters in exchange for someone who can’t shoot.

With that in mind, their wins will have to come from somewhere. LA will have to rely on their defense in order to win some games.

James, Davis, and Westbrook will bring it on offense, but don’t sleep on their defense. They can turn it on when they need

The Miami Heat have a great, all-around defensive roster. However, the Lakers are always solid on that end, so don’t be surprised if they are once again this year.