The Los Angeles Lakers have two of the most talented players in the world in LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Alongside Austin Reaves and the rest of the roster, this will be an all-time offensive juggernaut.
Here lies the problem, according to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, as he recently called the Lakers out for this massive flaw that could cost them a championship.
“It's all too easy to look at this Lakers roster and wonder how it'll ever generate defensive stops on the perimeter,” Buckley said Wednesday.
“Marcus Smart, 31 years old and two full, injury-riddled seasons removed from contributing to a contender, is perhaps the only member of this perimeter rotation who'd consider the defensive end his most favorable side.”
Buckley spared no words when discussing the Lakers' biggest problem, clearly labeling them as a team that will struggle defensively.
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Two of their most talented players on the defensive end, Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt, have played in just a combined 234 games out of 656 in the past four regular seasons.
Despite all the acquisitions this offseason, you have to remember that they recently lost Dorian Finney-Smith and Anthony Davis.
One of the biggest concerns will be their lack of interior presence, because Deandre Ayton certainly isn’t a guy that thrives at defending the paint.
A lot of pressure will be put on 40-year-old James, as well as the now in-shape Dončić.
Surrounding them are players who are ok at best, but Head Coach JJ Redick should make it a point of emphasis throughout the season if they want to win a championship.
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