Former Lakers Champion Criticizes LeBron James, Luka Doncic Pairing
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The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into an important offseason. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, Rob Pelinka has his work cut out for him to build the right roster around the two superstars.
While the offense should be just fine, the defensive side of the court was a huge issue in the playoffs. It was clear against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs just how much work needs to be done to fix the defense.
One of the biggest offseason needs will finding a good defensive center. They will also need to add more perimeter defense.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the third quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the third quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. More
Photo byDanny Green, a former champion with the Lakers, spoke out with his thoughts on the current makeup of the team. He doesn't seem to like the pairing of James and Doncic.
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In an appearance on "All The Smoke," Green stated boldly that he doesn't see a championship coming to Los Angeles with the James and Doncic pairing.
"I think they're explosive offensively. I think they lack a lot defensively," he said. "I don't know how many years he (James) has left longer, and it's think it's just really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old... Next year, LeBron is going to be 41....He can still average 30, 20-something, but I just don't see them winning a championship with that formula right now."
Those are some tough words to hear, but Green has a point.
Neither Doncic nor James is good on the defensive side of the court. Surprisingly, James is a better defender at this stage of his career than Doncic. His lack of defense is one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks decided to move off from Doncic.
Offensively, the Lakers will be able to build around Doncic for years to come. It seems likely that Los Angeles will begin building around Doncic this offseason. James may be back in town, but the future is clearly the 26-year-old superstar.
Read more: Stephen A Smith Makes Eye-Opening Prediction for Pacers-Knicks Game 6
Expect to see Pelinka have a heavy focus on defense during the offseason. The Lakers do not need to add offense heavily.
Ideally, Los Angeles will be able to add a center similar to Mark Williams, whom they acquired at the trade deadline last year before having to back out of the deal due to an issue with his physical. After that, the Lakers should look to bring in a lockdown perimeter defender.
That being said, Green doesn't see a championship coming soon for Los Angeles. His doubt will add fuel to the fire for the Lakers to prove their critics wrong.
For more Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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