Doncic and James Are Horrible Defenders

[Anderson Hunt]

Who do they guard?

On a team like Boston, I'd assume Doncic guards Holiday, but who does James guard, White?

On a team like OKC, who does Doncic guard, Wallace? And James, Dort?

How about the Cavs? Does Doncic guard Struss, and James guards Mobley?

Why is all of this important?

Doncic and James are horrible defenders. The Lakers will have two guys getting big minutes who will be targeted relentlessly. They can't have a third guy who can also be targeted. They can't have a third guy who can't effectively guard all positions.

This means that EVERY player on the floor next to Doncic/James must be switchable, good to elite defenders for them to work.

Everybody is saying the Lakers need a center. I think they only need a center if that center is highly switchable. Otherwise, to me it won't work.

The bad news is that there aren't many centers who can guard 1-5. It's extremely rare.

If you want the Doncic/James combo to work, you don't acquire a traditional center, you acquire a switchable guy.

At this point, they'd be better off acquiring Lonzo Ball than Clint Capella. At this point, I'd rather James guard Porzingis,, Hartenstein, and Allen than White, Dort, and Mobley.

Because Doncic and James are such horrible defenders, the Lakers would be better off going small and flanking those two guys with three long, switchable, talented defenders:


PG - Doncic
SG - Ball
C --- James
PF - Vanderbilt
SF - Finney-Smith

[Apz]

No, because u need the rimprotection. Luka usually guards at. And for someone that lead the playoffs in steals, and whos team were better statwise with him on the floor then off, he gets a lot of crap. Mainly because he is white and played on mavs. If he had played on lakers he probably would have had 2 mvps already.

You will see national media completly change their narrative on him now when he is on lakers. Mavs tried to patch with the defensive guards for years, then they had luka and kyrie, not the best defensive guards out there together and it worked. Because they got lively and gafford, 48min of rimprotection and good hands.

Also, luka played injured thru last years po. Its like it doesnt matter if its luka, espn racism at its finest.

If its anything lakers should do its get rid of lebrons salary. Its 50m that can be used to build a team around luka that can try to convince him to extend

[SlimShady83]

C: 1 of; -Kessler, Turner, Poeltl ... Capela. In that order.
PF: -Bron <> hopefully he wants trade In the off season, Beal doesn't want to leave Suns so only team really left for bron Is GSW and sounds like they could be forming a super team bringing back KD and getting Le-Bronny, saw It somewhere, just rumors.
SF: -Vando <> when at full strength he can guard 1-5 easy, limited minutes atm
SG: -DFS solid defender can shoot here n there has played with Luka b4 and they were friends as well Edit: I know his a PF but while you have Bron put him IN the backcourt, when Bron gone adjust lineups when needed
PG: - Luka

Will be happy to settle with this until Lakers get another star Post Bron

Walker Kessler Defense

Watch on YouTube

Myles Turner highlights

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Jakob Poeltl highlights

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DFS defense highlights vs knicks

Watch on YouTube

Vando Defense

Watch on YouTube

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[Michael Lucky]

Luka being terrible on Defense seems to be way overblown. His main issue when it comes to defense is him not getting back on transition because he's too busy complaining at the refs. Then again LA fans are used to that having lived through the Kobe years post Shaq.

[SlimShady83]

Luka being terrible on Defense seems to be way overblown. His main issue when it comes to defense is him not getting back on transition because he's too busy complaining at the refs.

LOL ... I can't wait to see both Bron and Luka do this In the game, I'm going to have a giggle that's for sure.

[Up-And-Coming]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

[danfantastk32]

Who do they guard?

On a team like Boston, I'd assume Doncic guards Holiday, but who does James guard, White?

On a team like OKC, who does Doncic guard, Wallace? And James, Dort?

How about the Cavs? Does Doncic guard Struss, and James guards Mobley?

Why is all of this important? Doncic and James are horrible defenders.

Well it's widely known that the Lakers were into moving James to GS. Clearly they were into moving AD. Not the picks I wanted....but they did get a 25-year old top talent. I prob should give them a little credit here.

Point is....I don't think Lebron is in their plans. If he won't budge, then they will work around him until he does leave. I really don't think the Lakers should make a move, honestly. I'd wait until the offseason...and go about this in a much more methodical manner. The "window" has opened again. No need to go get swindled.....as you point out, our defense is gonna be a complete joke while they are on the floor. We've got gaps all over the place, and guys who may or may not work with Luka at all. Luka is sidelined currently to boot.

I personally think Luka comes with a ton of question marks...but he's pretty damn good...no denying that. I also think offense massively trumps defense in todays NBA. So I wouldn't worry too much about these two....cause it's going to be 1 before too long. And then we'll have the cap space, and picks to try and build correctly.

I have massive doubts...but who knows? Maybe this will work out. Certainly better than the whirlpool we'd been circling for 3-4 years. I'm curious to see what happens with James now. He's still pretty damn good. But you gotta read the room, and know that the FO is now waiting for you to leave. He thought he was leaving on his own terms.....but that changed in a heartbeat.

Being a HUGE fan of awkward....I sorta hope he stays another year...but at the same time, I've been wanting this team to move the F on from AD and Lebron for several years now. If he was open to GS (might be a bit more now) and we got some goodies for him, that would be absolutely fantastic....but I feel like the universe would be robbed if they didnt get to play together for at least a few games....so maybe this offseason.

[stan francisco]

Who do they guard?

On a team like Boston, I'd assume Doncic guards Holiday, but who does James guard, White?

On a team like OKC, who does Doncic guard, Wallace? And James, Dort?

How about the Cavs? Does Doncic guard Struss, and James guards Mobley?

Why is all of this important?

Doncic and James are horrible defenders. The Lakers will have two guys getting big minutes who will be targeted relentlessly. They can't have a third guy who can also be targeted. They can't have a third guy who can't effectively guard all positions.

This means that EVERY player on the floor next to Doncic/James must be switchable, good to elite defenders for them to work.

Everybody is saying the Lakers need a center. I think they only need a center if that center is highly switchable. Otherwise, to me it won't work.

The bad news is that there aren't many centers who can guard 1-5. It's extremely rare.

If you want the Doncic/James combo to work, you don't acquire a traditional center, you acquire a switchable guy.

At this point, they'd be better off acquiring Lonzo Ball than Clint Capella. At this point, I'd rather James guard Porzingis,, Hartenstein, and Allen than White, Dort, and Mobley.

Because Doncic and James are such horrible defenders, the Lakers would be better off going small and flanking those two guys with three long, switchable, talented defenders:


PG - Doncic
SG - Ball
C --- James
PF - Vanderbilt
SF - Finney-Smith

Agreed. Defense without AD and Max — our best defenders — means that Rob has some SERIOUS fixing to do. He ruined our chances this year and knows he has to fix it to save face before the TD.

There’s a guy in Dallas who plays the defense you describe, better than anyone in the league. I’m pissed when we make moves like this for jersey sales.

[DanishLakerFan]

The "dream scenario" for me would be:

Kessler for removal of protection in '27, a '31 first and Knecht. An overpay, but worth it given the circumstances.

Rui+Reddish for Lonzo. Ideally we get him in a buy-out, but with the Luka-deal i'm not counting on luck.

Lonzo - Luka - Lebron - DFS - Kessler
Gabe - Reaves - Vando - Hayes - Wood

[KuzControl]

Luka mostly guards SFs and PFs apparently, so really you just need to find someone who can play POA

Caleb Martin is the guy I’m eyeing off

[stan francisco]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

Interesting. We don’t need Austin breaking down the defense once Luka gets here. Or do we? How else will Luka ever play defense if he has to dribble solo for 40 minutes every game?

Reaves is good at playing off the ball. He fills the function of breaking down the defense, like Ginobili did. On or off the ball. Luka, Bron and Reaves will be a living highlight reel. If fat Luka gets a fat injury, we’ll need Reaves.

But I hear you, we need him less now. And we need Kessler. They’re hoping to add Flagg in the draft so Ainge might take that deal. But he probably dreams to put Flagg next to Kessler.

[tamaraw08]

The "dream scenario" for me would be:

Kessler for removal of protection in '27, a '31 first and Knecht. An overpay, but worth it given the circumstances.

Rui+Reddish for Lonzo. Ideally we get him in a buy-out, but with the Luka-deal i'm not counting on luck.

Lonzo - Luka - Lebron - DFS - Kessler
Gabe - Reaves - Vando - Hayes - Wood

I'm guessing Ainge is also adamantly asking for everything you said PLUS Reaves.
Rob knew he would have to work triple time to get a good center to have a chance to compete this season so I was wondering if he also offered Knecht or even Reaves for Gafford at least.

[DanishLakerFan]

The "dream scenario" for me would be:

Kessler for removal of protection in '27, a '31 first and Knecht. An overpay, but worth it given the circumstances.

Rui+Reddish for Lonzo. Ideally we get him in a buy-out, but with the Luka-deal i'm not counting on luck.

Lonzo - Luka - Lebron - DFS - Kessler
Gabe - Reaves - Vando - Hayes - Wood

I'm guessing Ainge is also adamantly asking for everything you said PLUS Reaves.
Rob knew he would have to work triple time to get a good center to have a chance to compete this season so I was wondering if he also offered Knecht or even Reaves for Gafford at least.

Well, if the Lonzo-deal was in place (or something similar) they add Reaves in a Kessler deal and get back Sexton or Clarkson.

[tamaraw08]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

There are legit reasons why Rob adamantly held on to the 2031 pick, Reaves and Knecht. He could have gave 1 or 2 of them to get a decent center like Gafford and a defender like Naji Marshall.
I'm hoping and praying he has back up planS to use the remaining assets to get a really good center and defender. I have real concerns about Williams' ability to stay healthy. Poeltl is a bit too old for me but still decent. Claxton makes too much money but who knows....But we can NOT stand pat and do nothing.

[SlimShady83]

I'm guessing Ainge is also adamantly asking for everything you said PLUS Reaves.

Exactly this, as I've been saying this even b4 the Luka trade It's going to cost a lot to get Kessler either by himself or package deal, funny how some didn't want want to use FRPs for Kessler, but now got Luka they ok with It, even though having Kessler/AD would of been sick as hell .

[LakerPhan]

Who cares?

New Laker strategy is to OUTSCORE the opponent...!

[tamaraw08]

The "dream scenario" for me would be:

Kessler for removal of protection in '27, a '31 first and Knecht. An overpay, but worth it given the circumstances.

Rui+Reddish for Lonzo. Ideally we get him in a buy-out, but with the Luka-deal i'm not counting on luck.

Lonzo - Luka - Lebron - DFS - Kessler
Gabe - Reaves - Vando - Hayes - Wood

I'm guessing Ainge is also adamantly asking for everything you said PLUS Reaves.
Rob knew he would have to work triple time to get a good center to have a chance to compete this season so I was wondering if he also offered Knecht or even Reaves for Gafford at least.

Well, if the Lonzo-deal was in place (or something similar) they add Reaves in a Kessler deal and get back Sexton or Clarkson.

It will all depend now on Ainge if he accepts that 1 FRP PLUS, remove protections on 2027 pick, Reaves and/or Knecht for the deal.
Everyone thinks he will never help the Lakers and that he's the fleece king or something and yet, he gave away Vando, Alexander-Walker, Beasley for one protected 2027 pick and also let the Lakers get rid of Westbrook and his huge contract resulting to the Lakers going all the way to the WCF 2 years ago.

[LakerPhan]

Copied this from a post on another site, hopefully it is all correct:
People need to remember just how good Luka is. Luka last year.
• 34/9/10
• 1st in points
• 2nd in assists
• 73 point game (4th highest ever)
• First 33/9/9 season in NBA history
• Most 30-PT TD’s since MVP Russ
• 1st in 25-point games
• 1st in 35-point games
• 1st in 40-point games
• 1st in 45-point games
• 2nd in 3’s made
• Top 10 in steals
• 61.7% TS
• Highest scoring season in Mavs history
• Most PPG + RPG + APG since the merger.
• Most consecutive 25 point triple-doubles ever
• Most consecutive 30 point triple-doubles ever
• Lifted Mavs from 11 seed to 5 seed
• Most games missed by teammates among all playoff teams
• Mavs 50+ wins
• Mavs 1st in clutch win%
• 6th best record in entire NBA

[LAKESHOW]

Cmon guys, We've seen this stuff before. Nash was lousy on defense. Curry plays communication defense. Meaning, guy blows by him, and he yells to the backline for help. This ain't new. You gotta coach it up and game plan accordingly. JJ Must show his coaching chops. Or he will be gone

[Kilroy]

One of the reasons why I would strongly consider moving Reaves by this Summer while he's still on his really valuable contract even though I'm a big fan of his. I have a hard time seeing where he would fit in the starting lineup considering the defensive concerns and envision he'd be relished to the 6th man role while Lebron is still on the team.

I understand Walker Kessler's price-tag is reportedly steep as he's a 23 year old offensive rebounding and shot-blocking Center who is fairly mobile for his size and a solid enough lob threat. Personally, I'd probably offer our best packages for him to at least try to pique the Jazz interest.

Knecht + 31 1st + another Swap for Kessler

or

Austin Reaves + Jaxson Hayes + Cam Reddish + 31 1st (?) for Clarkson + Kessler

It works salary wise and we'd essentially be replacing Reaves with Clarkson as our 6th man while getting our starting Center. This trade opens up a roster spot which I'd use to convert Koloko's contract as our backup big. The Jazz don't have any need for 32 year old Clarkson and acquire 26 year old Reaves who hasn't started his prime yet and would quite frankly fit right in with the Jazz and their fans. I truly believe they'd love him and I can see Austin posting career numbers for them and think he's somewhere in that Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard version of Gordon Hayward tier and is a playoff performer. Perhaps the Jazz are hesitant to acquire a mid-20's player but he's in the same age range as Lauri, Sexton and Collins who they still have while they're successfully tanking and developing prospects. A 31 1st could be added to give them additional incentive.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I consistently hear the talking heads reluctance to trade Reaves which I understand because he's talented, tough and on a great contract but I'm not convinced we'd see him being utilized to his best abilities while we still have Lebron with Luka.

Yeah Reeves is completely redundant on offense with LeBron an Doncic…. He’s got to be used to get a C