After another blowout loss, Lakers target defensive wings
Another lopsided defeat has sharpened the Los Angeles Lakers’ priorities: they need more size, length, and toughness on the perimeter, and they need it quickly. As opponents continue to spread the floor and hunt mismatches, the front office is increasingly focused on acquiring defensive-minded wings capable of stabilizing a shaky point-of-attack defense.
The pattern has become too familiar. When the Lakers’ initial effort or scheme breaks down, drives to the rim and kick-out threes follow in waves. Even with a star big anchoring the back line, there is only so much rim protection can cover when ball-handlers are turning the corner with ease and shooters are getting clean looks. In a league that tilts toward versatile 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-9 wings, the Lakers often look undersized and overtaxed on the edges of their defense.
That has pushed two-way wings to the top of their shopping list. The ideal target: a player who can credibly guard the league’s elite scorers across multiple positions, switch in space, and still be enough of a threat offensively to stay on the floor in high-leverage moments. Even marginal upgrades in those areas could have an outsized impact, allowing the coaching staff to simplify coverages and cut down on the emergency rotations that lead to breakdowns.
Around the league, front offices are well aware of how coveted this archetype has become. “Three-and-D” wings are the most expensive currency in today’s NBA, which means the Lakers may need to part with draft capital or young talent to get meaningful help. Rival teams will test their resolve, knowing the pressure that comes with a win-now mandate and the scrutiny that follows every blowout loss in Los Angeles.
For the Lakers, the calculus is straightforward. If they want to keep pace with deep, wing-heavy contenders at the top of the conference, they must upgrade their perimeter defense. Targeting defensive wings is less a luxury than a necessity, and how aggressively they pursue that path could define the rest of their season.
The pattern has become too familiar. When the Lakers’ initial effort or scheme breaks down, drives to the rim and kick-out threes follow in waves. Even with a star big anchoring the back line, there is only so much rim protection can cover when ball-handlers are turning the corner with ease and shooters are getting clean looks. In a league that tilts toward versatile 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-9 wings, the Lakers often look undersized and overtaxed on the edges of their defense.
That has pushed two-way wings to the top of their shopping list. The ideal target: a player who can credibly guard the league’s elite scorers across multiple positions, switch in space, and still be enough of a threat offensively to stay on the floor in high-leverage moments. Even marginal upgrades in those areas could have an outsized impact, allowing the coaching staff to simplify coverages and cut down on the emergency rotations that lead to breakdowns.
Around the league, front offices are well aware of how coveted this archetype has become. “Three-and-D” wings are the most expensive currency in today’s NBA, which means the Lakers may need to part with draft capital or young talent to get meaningful help. Rival teams will test their resolve, knowing the pressure that comes with a win-now mandate and the scrutiny that follows every blowout loss in Los Angeles.
For the Lakers, the calculus is straightforward. If they want to keep pace with deep, wing-heavy contenders at the top of the conference, they must upgrade their perimeter defense. Targeting defensive wings is less a luxury than a necessity, and how aggressively they pursue that path could define the rest of their season.
