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3d ago

Lakers Prioritize Defense After Early Exit as Green Questions James-Doncic Title Chances

Strengthening rim protection and perimeter defense has become the Lakers’ top focus after Danny Green publicly questioned the championship viability of their LeBron James-Luka Doncic tandem.

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Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves in for the dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Former Laker Danny Green said on the “All The Smoke” podcast that the duo’s explosive offense is undermined by defensive lapses and LeBron James’s advancing age, making a title unlikely.
  • Los Angeles’s first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed defensive weaknesses, with analysts highlighting Luka Doncic’s footwork and the team’s difficulty in hiding his defensive vulnerabilities.
  • The Lakers intend to bolster the roster this offseason by pursuing a traditional starting center and a lockdown perimeter defender to shore up their defense.
  • LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s partnership continues off the court with Doncic set to join James and Steve Nash on the “Mind the Game” podcast this Sunday.
  • Head coach JJ Redick plans to oversee enhanced conditioning measures, including sending staff to EuroBasket to monitor Doncic’s fitness and ensure the team enters training camp in championship shape.