Defensive Concerns for the Lakers
SALT LAKE CITY — As the Los Angeles Lakers left the court after the first quarter on Thursday, the glaring 41 next to the Utah Jazz logo highlighted the key problem they needed to address. The 78 points they surrendered in the first half marked their highest defensive lapse of the season.
Offensive Talent, Defensive Needs
The Lakers have an undeniable offensive firepower, featuring stars like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James who create ample scoring opportunities from beyond the arc and at the rim. With Deandre Ayton excelling as a supporting center and Rui Hachimura consistently making shots, the team’s primary focus needs to be on bolstering their defense.
Internal and External Solutions
Discussions within the team reveal that identifying effective solutions, both within their roster and through trades, is far from straightforward.
Desirable Role Players
JJ Redick recently emphasized what it takes for role players to thrive alongside Dončić, Reaves, and James: “Defend and shoot 3s.” However, it appears that many competitive teams are searching for such players as well.
Trade Market Challenges
According to sources, the New Orleans Pelicans have communicated that they are not considering trades for Herbert Jones, particularly not at a price the Lakers could manage. When Jones becomes trade-eligible in January, the Lakers could potentially offer an unprotected first-round pick and other salary-matching players, but acquiring him typically requires significant draft capital and young assets.
Potential Trade Targets
Other players like Sacramento’s Keon Ellis are also drawing interest. While Ellis boasts a solid three-point shooting percentage, concerns exist regarding his defensive capabilities, particularly against larger guards. The Lakers are likely to explore various options during this trade season.
The Road Ahead
The Lakers have considered trading for Andrew Wiggins and may revisit this option if they decide to use up cap space to improve for the current season. A host of other players such as Derrick Jones Jr. of the LA Clippers, along with others like Terrance Mann and Josh Green, are also being eyed as potential fits. However, their limited trade assets and the overall demand for additional defensive help complicate the situation.
