The Los Angeles Lakers struggled to get stops against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, losing 135-117. 

The Lakers gave up 30+ points in each quarter, including a 40-point quarter in the third. The Hornets shot 47% from three, had 34 assists, and 56 points in the paint. 

Speaking after the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave his thoughts on what went wrong defensively. 

"In general, with our team, against certain teams that have dynamic drivers, which the Hornets have really good drivers and a ton of shooting, we can be a little bit cautious guarding the ball. If we do get beat off the dribble, then we're in rotation."

"I thought our low man was awful all night. We're scared of the drive, and we're too far off the body," he said. 

In continuing his assessment, Redick said that he thought the team guarded the Hornets' pace and initial action well early in the game. However, the Hornets switched to small pick-and-roll action, but he didn't think his team did a good job in guarding it or containing the basketball. 

He also credited the Hornets for their shotmaking as a team. Redick said they tried three different coverages during the game. 

"It's not like we're not trying. We're trying," he stated. 

Only four Hornets players were in double figures on the night, but all four had strong games. 

LaMelo Ball led the way with 30 points, including nine threes and 50% shooting from the field. Brandon Miller had 26 points on 9-19 shooting. Miles Bridges had 25 points, knocking down five threes. Finally, rookie Kon Knueppel finished with 19 points on 7-10 shooting. 

The Lakers have a defensive rating of 117.6 on the season, which ranks 26th in the league. The teams below them are the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz. Those four teams have a combined 45 wins and are four of the six worst teams in the league in terms of record. 

The trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and DeAndre Ayton has a 115.8 defensive rating, which, on the whole, isn't terrible, but the offense doesn't make up for it as fans might expect with only a 114.7 rating. 

The same goes for the two-man combo of LeBron and Luka, who have a 118.6 defensive rating with only a 115.8 offensive rating. The current Lakers starting lineup of LeBron, Luka, Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart has a 111.1 defensive rating, which is sixth best in the league of five-man groups that have played 125 minutes or more together. 

The defense has been an issue, but the inconsistency of the offense hasn't always allowed them to get set and play to their strengths.