Lakers Want To Add To Frontcourt, Perimeter Defense

Post #1 » by **RealGM Wiretap** » Sat Dec 7, 2024 10:10 pm

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for help in the frontcourt and perimeter defense areas, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

Fischer adds that the team are not looking to pursue Brandon Ingram, with the Pelicans unwilling to give Ingram a max deal.

The Lakers are currently shorthanded without Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes.

Via Jake Fischer/The People's Insider

gailgoodrich · Post #2 » by **gailgoodrich** » Sun Dec 8, 2024 2:00 am

Right now the scheme is a bigger problem than the personnel. It was stunning to watch AD and Vincent (and everybody else) make ridiculous mistakes switching over and over against Atlanta. Including both going with Hunter on the final play, leaving Trae Young wide open for the win.

That said, they need two or three more two-way players. They've got solid defensive guys (Christie, Reddish, Vincent, Vando) and solid offensive guys (Reaves, Knecht, DLo, Rui). Constantly compromised on one side of the ball or the other.

If it were my call, especially with the vibes around the team right now, I would clear house and use the picks to get Schroder, Finney-Smith, and Claxton (or Sharpe) from the Nets.

blau08 · Post #3 » by **blau08** » Sun Dec 8, 2024 6:51 pm

is schroeder, DFS, and Claxton really an upgrade? It's not easy to play with LBJ. Their 2nd or 3rd best player Austin Reaves has been out.

gailgoodrich · Post #4 » by **gailgoodrich** » Sun Dec 8, 2024 9:13 pm

blau08 wrote:is schroeder, DFS, and Claxton really an upgrade? It's not easy to play with LBJ. Their 2nd or 3rd best player Austin Reaves has been out.

I think Claxton is a big upgrade over their other options at 5. He's an excellent defender. Play him next to AD and the ripple effect would be felt all the way down the roster, even with the loss of spacing. And he can anchor a defense while AD sits.

But with the other two, it's more about fit. Dlo, Rui, and (sadly) Knecht are just awful on the defensive side of the ball. Vando can't be counted on to return, apparently ever. Vincent is showing signs, but has a long way to go before he looks like a key contributor on a contending team. Same with Christie.

Schroeder and DFS are rock solid. They're vets in their prime who play good defense and have seen it all. Raw talent wise, they're not really "better" than Dlo and Rui. But next to LeBron and AD, they provide the right skillset.

xchange55 · Post #5 » by **xchange55** » Sun Dec 8, 2024 11:32 pm

gailgoodrich wrote:Right now the scheme is a bigger problem than the personnel. It was stunning to watch AD and Vincent (and everybody else) make ridiculous mistakes switching over and over against Atlanta. Including both going with Hunter on the final play, leaving Trae Young wide open for the win.

Know why the Lakers defense is in complete disarray? It's because LBJ does not stick to anyone. He spends about 95% of the time standing at the side of the paint - where he can grab low effort rebounds. It's not possible for the Lakers to guard 4 on 5. Any team that is actively screening or rotating players around the key are causing the Lakers problems. No surprise they are new the bottom in rankings for points allowed per game.