A team that protects the rim well will deter opponents from even trying to attack the hoop. When someone like Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, or Chet Holmgren is patrolling the paint, it changes the complexion of the entire game. On the flip side, when a team is playing against the Lakers, they can essentially prance into the lane and get shots up any time they want.
Currently, the Lakers are ranked No. 29 in blocked shots, which is second-to-last, ahead of only the Utah Jazz, whose main shot-blocker is out for the season. It doesn't take long to figure out why the Lakers are so poor at protecting the rim; neither of their centers blocks shots!