The Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for the best version of themselves as the season continues. They currently feature a Big Three made up of some of the NBA’s top talent in LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Dončić. At this stage of his career, James simply wants a realistic chance to reach one more NBA Finals.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
The Lakers are clearly building around Dončić, which may take time, but the superstar isn’t interested in a lengthy rebuild.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
If there has been one glaring issue for the Lakers this season, it has been their defense. Head coach JJ Redick recently met with James and Dončić to hold them accountable for the team’s struggles on that end of the floor.
“It was good. We talked about a lot - not just that. But he was right. You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that’s on us, that’s on me.” - Luka Dončić on JJ Redick’s recent meeting where he asked for more on the defensive end from him and LeBron,” Lakers insider Dave McMenamin posted.
Redick understands that if the Lakers want to be successful, they must tighten up defensively. While there are capable defenders on the roster, the coaching staff needs all five players on the floor fully engaged.
It starts with leadership, and Redick knows that, which is why the meeting focused on James and Dončić. The Lakers will be back in action Thursday against the Utah Jazz, providing an early opportunity to see whether Los Angeles is ready to commit fully on the defensive end.