The Los Angeles Lakers’ defense has been a major talking point in regards to the team’s ceiling. While the team has acquired some frontcourt assistance in center Walker Kessler, one question still persists: Can guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves provide enough defensive presence for the team?
Statistically-speaking, Dončić was ranked sixth in defensive rating with Reaves being ranked eleventh. The Lakers’ best defensively rated players, forward LeBron James and guard Marcus Smart, have moved on. The loss of Smart especially hurts, as he was arguably one of Los Angeles’ most consistent defenders.
Dončić has been putting in the work this offseason via a summer conditioning program in Slovenia, led by his longtime trainer Anze Macek. He looks a lot slimmer and more explosive, and this new physique could contribute further to his already improving per game averages in steals and blocks. Dončić is also an efficient rebounder for his position, averaging 7.7 rebounds a game last season, helping the Lakers control possession.
Regarding Reaves, skeptics argue that despite his hustle, he is not a great perimeter defender. However from watching him play, what he lacks in wingspan he makes up for in effort and basketball IQ. With Lebron out, Reaves will undoubtedly have to step into a bigger role.
However, despite the media scrutiny, Los Angeles was actually 3.6 points per 100 possessions better defensively when Reaves was on the floor versus when he was not.
While plenty of question marks remain, an old adage still exists: the best defense is a good offense. Dončić led the league in scoring (33.5 points per game) and finished third league-wide in assists (8.3 per game), while Reaves averaged a career-high of 23.3 points and dished out 5.5 assists per game. Together, they combined for almost half of the Lakers’ average points per game of 116.3.
So, even if Dončić and Reaves replicate their defensive performances from last season, Lakers fans can sleep at night knowing they will atone for any defensive mistakes with their elite offense.
Plus, the addition of Grimes combined with promising rookie guard Cameron Carr and forward Adou Thiero is cause for Lakers fans to be excited. Carr has a high defensive upside with his seven-foot-one wingspan, and Thiero is athletic, versatile, and also boasts a seven-foot wingspan. If the Lakers can develop Carr and Thiero into quality defenders the Lakeshow will have plenty of assistance for their star duo’s alleged defensive shortcomings.
Overall, the skepticism isn’t warranted and any team featuring a backcourt of Dončić and Reaves will be competitive. Given this offseason’s acquisitions and the work that Dončić and Reaves have been putting in on defense, there is no real reason for Lakers fans to worry.