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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.

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.