Although star performances from Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 20-11 start at the top of the Pacific Division, their current approach has revealed clear limitations.
Things, however, are far from perfect. The Lakers have lost four of their last five games, and their defensive effort has been a primary reason for this decline.
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After suffering a 103-88 loss to the crosstown rival Clippers, the Lakers have given up at least 119 points in each of their last three losses. Offensively, the Lakers have an impressive rating of 117.1, the eighth-best mark in the league.
On defense, they’ve registered a 117.8 rating. Only the Hornets, Pelicans, Kings, Jazz, and Wizards have lower defensive metrics. The Lakers’ latest loss, a 128-106 home loss to the Detroit Pistons, again exposed just how bad it’s been defensively.
To truly address these shortcomings and contend at the highest level, the Lakers may need to make significant moves ahead of the trade deadline. Sam Amick of The Athletic believes “no matter how mad the second-year coach wants to get at this group, the apparent reality is that the Lakers are in desperate need of young, athletic, rangy wing defenders (preferably who can shoot).”
Amick has also provided some suggestions for how the Lakers can address their defensive shortcomings.
“When healthy, the odds of Dončić, Reaves and James providing an adequate line of defense on the perimeter are slim to none,” writes Amick. “So, can president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka land someone like New Orleans’ Herb Jones (not currently believed to be available), Derrick Jones (for the right price) or Ellis (ditto), who could aid this cause?”
Jones, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, is averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season on 40.7% shooting, down from his 47.1% career average. While known for his defensive ability, Amick doesn’t believe he’s available.
Amick notes that Clippers wing Derrick Jones Jr., shooting 52.5% this season and averaging 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, could be acquired for the right price. Kings’ guard Keon Ellis could be a cheaper, less experienced option, averaging 5.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes. Another consideration is reuniting Dončić with a former Mavericks teammate.
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“While they’re at it, maybe he can find a way to reunite Dončić with Gafford, the Mavericks’ big man who was such a good fit for him during their Dallas days.”
Gafford was instrumental in the Mavericks’ run to the Finals in 2024, and despite some statistical fluctuations this year, he remains averaging 8.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 assists per game. If Dallas chooses to rebuild around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, there could be an opportunity for the Lakers to pursue a trade for Gafford, especially if the Mavericks explore moving a veteran like Anthony Davis.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see if they can make the right moves to address their defensive struggles and solidify their standing as contenders for a championship. Their actions in the coming weeks could define the trajectory of their season.
