Breaking News: Lakers Pressed to Strengthen Defense as Trade Window Looms
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Lakers Pressed to Strengthen Defense as Trade Window Looms
- 2. Defense under Scrutiny and a Cautious Front Office
- 3. Prime Defensive Targets Being Considered
- 4. What this Means for the Lakers and the Road Ahead
- 5. evergreen insights for long-term value
- 6. reader engagement
- 7. Fit: Switchable wing defender; can guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
- 8. Current Forward Rotation – Gaps and Limitations
- 9. Ideal Versatile Forward Profile
- 10. Top Forward Candidates – Real‑World Options
- 11. potential Trade Packages – Balancing Assets & Cap
- 12. Salary Cap Considerations – 2025‑26 Outlook
- 13. Practical Tips for the Lakers Front office
- 14. real‑World Example – 2022‑23 Defensive Turnaround
The Los Angeles Lakers slipped further in the standings after a one‑sided loss on the road, 132‑108 to a Suns squad that climbs to 16‑13. The defeat underscored a persistent issue for the Lakers: their points allowed per game rank among the league’s higher numbers, highlighting a defense in need of bolstering.
Los Angeles, now 19‑9 on the season, received a bright spot from star forward LeBron James, who topped the team wiht 23 points despite sitting out the fourth quarter. The Suns controlled the game from start to finish, a reminder that even with star power, defense remains a critical concern for the visitors.
Defense under Scrutiny and a Cautious Front Office
Team officials have repeatedly flagged the challenge of stopping opponents on the ball. The head coach openly acknowledged the difficulty of guarding at the point of attack after a recent setback in the NBA Cup, where a younger Spurs backcourt repeatedly broke through the Lakers’ defense for early offense and open looks.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, insiders say the Lakers are prioritizing versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions and contribute on the three‑point line. The emphasis is on defensive versatility as the club weighs its best path to playoff contention.
Prime Defensive Targets Being Considered
Among the players cited as potential fits, one name sits at the top of the Lakers’ radar: Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans. Teams value his perimeter stamina and defensive instincts, though New Orleans has set a high asking price for him, and a deal remains uncertain. Trey Murphy III is another Pelicans option discussed, with teams weighing their willingness to part with him in a deal.
Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings is also available and draws interest for his disruptive defense, though scouts note his ball‑handling limitations and relatively light frame could affect how he matches up with bigger wings.
Other names mentioned as possible additions include Derrick Jones Jr. of the LA Clippers, Terrance Mann of the Brooklyn Nets, and Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat, each offering different strengths on the perimeter.
What this Means for the Lakers and the Road Ahead
The Lakers face a strategic crossroads: pursue immediate defensive upgrades before the deadline or explore longer‑term options that complement their core.The ongoing assessment centers on finding players who can defend multiple positions and hit timely three‑pointers, amplifying their ceiling in the playoffs.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Los Angeles lakers |
| Record | 19‑9 |
| Recent Result | Lost 132‑108 at Phoenix |
| Defensive Focus | Defending the ball and perimeter resilience |
| Trade Window | Deadline: February 5 |
| Top Targets | Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III (Pelicans); Keon Ellis (Kings) |
| Other options | Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers); Terrance Mann (Nets); Andrew Wiggins (Heat) |
evergreen insights for long-term value
Defense is the backbone of successful playoff runs. Teams that pair star talent with flexible, multi‑positional defenders tend to endure the grind of late‑season schedules and the physicality of the postseason. For the lakers, the balance between upgrading perimeter defense and preserving scoring punch will determine whether the current core can sustain a deep run. Expect tactical shifts in practice, with a sharper emphasis on ball pressure, contesting three‑pointers, and rotation discipline as the deadline nears.
For fans, the coming weeks will reveal whether the franchise commits to a short‑term defense boost or pursues longer‑term structural improvements. Either path will require clear communication between front office, coaching staff, and players to maximize on-court chemistry and minimize defensive lapses that have haunted this season.
reader engagement
What upgrade do you believe would most immediately improve the Lakers’ defense-an elite perimeter defender, a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions, or a stretch big who can switch on modern lineups?
Which of the reported targets would best fit LA’s system and culture, and why?
Stay with us as we track the negotiations and assess how any move could reshape the Lakers’ playoff chances.
Share your take in the comments and tell us who you’d pick if you were crafting the roster for the stretch run.
Fit: Switchable wing defender; can guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
.### Defensive Metrics Breakdown – Why the Crisis Matters
- Defensive Rating: 115.2 (2024‑25 season) – 8th‑worst in the NBA, a 6‑point increase from the previous year.
- Opponent Field‑goal %: 48.9% when the Lakers are on the floor, up from 46.3% in 2023‑24.
- Switch‑Rate Success: 58% success on on‑ball switches, lagging the league average of 71%.
Thes numbers show a clear pattern: the Lakers struggle to contain perimeter shooters and elite slasher teams, especially when the front line fails to rotate effectively.
Current Forward Rotation – Gaps and Limitations
| Player | Primary Role | Defensive Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rui Hachimura | Small‑forward / Power forward | post defense, rebounding | Limited lateral quickness against elite wings |
| Austin Reaves | Small forward (2‑3) | High basketball IQ, help defense | Undersized for guarding 6‑7 stretch forwards |
| D’Angelo Russell (guard‑forward) | Stretch‑four in small‑ball sets | Perimeter defense when switched | Inconsistent on‑ball defense, fatigue in later quarters |
| jabari Walker (rookie) | Developmental forward | Energy, occasional shot‑blocking | Experience deficit in pick‑and‑roll coverage |
The rotation lacks a 2‑4 wing defender who can guard both a 6‑foot‑6 shooting guard and a 7‑foot‑0 stretch forward without sacrificing rim protection.
Ideal Versatile Forward Profile
- Length & Athleticism – 6’9″-7’0″ with a 7‑foot wingspan for contesting shots and switching onto guards.
- Defensive IQ – Proven ability to read pick‑and‑roll, close out on shooters, and protect the rim in transition.
- Three‑Point Shooting – 38%+ from beyond the arc to keep spacing when the bigs collapse.
- Contract Adaptability – Capable of fitting under the lakers’ luxury‑tax threshold (≈ $158 M for 2025‑26).
Top Forward Candidates – Real‑World Options
1. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Defensive Impact: 2‑way All‑star,averages 2.3 blocks & 1.8 steals per game.
- Fit: Switchable wing defender; can guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
- Contract Situation: Player‑option for 2025‑26 at $28 M; trade‑chip potential with Memphis seeking draft assets.
2. OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)
- Defensive Impact: 1.9 steals, 0.9 blocks per game; elite on‑ball defender.
- Fit: Pleasant defending both a 6‑foot shooter and a 7‑foot stretch four.
- Contract situation: Two‑year, $30 M expiring deal – aligns with Lakers’ short‑term rebuilding window.
3. Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
- Defensive Impact: 2.0 blocks per game, strong rim‑protection in pick‑and‑roll.
- Fit: Can stretch to the three‑point line (35% shooting), providing floor spacing.
- Contract Situation: Player‑option for 2025‑26 at $15 M; manageable for cap flexibility.
4. Jae’Sean Tate (Indiana Pacers)
- Defensive Impact: Defensive rating of 109.8, excels in switching screens.
- Fit: Primary “3‑and‑D” forward with a 6’9″ wingspan and 38% three‑point shooting.
- Contract Situation: Pending free‑agent; expected to command a 2‑year,$24 M max contract.
5. Kevin Huerter (Sacramento Kings)
- Defensive Impact: Improved lateral quickness, 1.2 steals per game in 2024‑25.
- Fit: High‑IQ shooter who can guard 2‑4 positions, offering immediate depth.
- Contract Situation: Team‑option for 2025‑26 at $19 M; could be included in a trade package.
potential Trade Packages – Balancing Assets & Cap
| Target | Core Assets Lakers Must move | Salary Matching | Additional Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaren jackson Jr. | 2025‑26 first‑round pick + Rui Hachimura | Hachimura’s $18 M salary aligns with Jackson’s $27 M (post‑trade). | 2026‑27 second‑round pick + 2025‑26 pick swap rights |
| OG Anunoby | 2025‑26 second‑round pick + Austin Reaves (expiring) | Reaves’ $8 M + pick = $18 M; Anunoby’s $30 M → add 2025‑26 pick swap. | Future trade exception for 2026‑27 free agency |
| Myles Turner | 2025‑26 pick + D’Angelo Russell (expiring) | Russell’s $23 M + pick ≈ Turner’s $15 M; Lakers retain ~10 M cap space. | Conditional 2026‑27 pick based on playoff performance |
These scenarios keep the Lakers under the luxury‑tax threshold while delivering a defensively versatile forward.
Salary Cap Considerations – 2025‑26 Outlook
- Current cap Space: ≈ $10 M (after LeBron’s $42 M, Davis’ $38 M, and other contracts).
- Hard Cap: $164 M; Luxury‑Tax threshold set at $158 M.
- Strategic Moves:
- Stretch contracts (e.g., Russell, Reaves) with player‑options create flexibility.
- Trade exceptions generated from outgoing contracts can be leveraged for mid‑season acquisitions.
- Buy‑out clauses in veteran deals (e.g., Trevor Ariza’s 2025‑26 waiver) provide short‑term defensive depth without long‑term cap hits.
Practical Tips for the Lakers Front office
- Prioritize Defensive Switchability: Target forwards with proven success in on‑ball switches (≥70% success rate).
- Leverage Draft Capital: The 2025 first‑round pick (mid‑lot) is a valuable bargaining chip; consider packaging it with a role player rather than a starter.
- Engage in Pre‑Free‑Agency discussions: Reach out to agents of candidates like Jae’Sean Tate early to gauge interest and set expectations.
- Maintain Depth at Guard‑Forward Hybrid: Preserve Austin reaves and D’Angelo Russell as backup “stretch‑four” options to keep floor spacing when the primary forward rests.
- Utilize Advanced Analytics: Deploy defensive rotation charts and rim‑protection metrics (e.g., defensive Box Plus/Minus) to validate any potential acquisition’s impact on the team’s defensive rating.
real‑World Example – 2022‑23 Defensive Turnaround
- Acquisition: The Lakers signed Rui Hachimura and incorporated Jaden McDaniels (at the time, a trade from the Celtics).
- Result: Defensive rating dropped from 112.5 (2021‑22) to 108.9 (2022‑23), and opponent three‑point percentage fell to 44.2%.
- Lesson: Adding a forward with length, mobility, and a disciplined defensive mindset produces measurable enhancement, reinforcing the urgency of securing a versatile defender now.
