The Los Angeles Lakers made significant changes to their roster during one of the most important offseasons in recent years, putting the keys to the franchise in the hands of Luka Doncic.
An NBA scout, speaking anonymously to Sports Illustrated, discussed the Lakers’ roster and believes the team should have plenty of offensive talent, but could face significant questions on the defensive end.
“Who is going to defend?”
“I think the Lakers will have a problem defensively. Kessler is known for his shot blocking, or basically known for his defense, but he is a good shot blocker. I don’t think he’s generally a good defender. But he can protect the paint. So the first step is to not give up layups. I want to see how he does.
“The Jazz always wanted him to be like Rudy Gobert and it never happened. But he’s very good either in pick-and-roll or drop coverage. If he gave help, he was pretty good at protecting the paint, but he doesn’t do that something extra. He will help them with defensive rebounding.
“But looking at their roster, they’re going to need help defensively. Offensively, Doncic and Reaves are excellent. But who is going to defend? The answer is easy: Reaves, because Doncic isn’t going to do it. So will defending the best opposing player make things more difficult for Reaves? Will they find someone else who can defend the best opposing player? I don’t know.”
Reaves and Doncic provide offensive firepower
The scout believes the Lakers should have plenty of options offensively, particularly once defenses begin making adjustments.
“Offensively, they have enough talent, especially when the adjustments start happening. Reaves will have a lot of touches. And with the attention Doncic draws and his ISOs, there will be many times when the ball goes to Reaves and he does what he does best.”
Vanderbilt and Mamukelashvili
The scout expects Jarred Vanderbilt to be one of the Lakers’ most important defensive players, while also discussing Sanders Mamukelashvili.
“I imagine they believe Jarred Vanderbilt will be one of their best defenders. I’m a big fan of Mamukelashvili, but he can defend a certain type of player. He can’t defend most of the players in the NBA that you need someone special for.”
Will the Lakers rely on their offense?
The anonymous scout believes Los Angeles could ultimately try to compensate for its defensive limitations by simply outscoring opponents.
“Maybe the Lakers will try to score more than everyone else. But they’ll have to hope Walker will be the rim protector they’re betting everything on.”
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