The Los Angeles Lakers sit second in the Western Conference with Luka Doncic leading the league in scoring, but the team is one piece away from serious title contention. They need a 3-and-D wing to balance their roster. Ideally, it would be someone capable of defending at the point of attack and not commanding the ball. Luka, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James will do the offensive creating. The Lakers need a floor spacer and defender to compete with the defending champion Thunder.
Lakers fans still can’t believe the Mavericks gifted them Luka, and the five-time All-Star is always making Dallas regret it. He is in the best shape of his life and playing the best basketball of his career. The Lakers are 16-6 and have won 75 percent of their games with number 77 in the lineup. Luka is willing them to wins right now, but Rob Pelinka and the front office need to get him some more help.
The Lakers are starting Deandre Ayton, LeBron, Rui Hachimura, and Reaves next to Luka when healthy. Ideally, they move Rui to the bench and trade for a better fit to start on the wing. Luka is in his prime and wants to win a championship. That will make it extremely hard for Los Angeles to say no to upgrading their roster.
Luka Doncic is forcing the Lakers to trade for a 3-and-D wing
Dorian Finney-Smith played a crucial role for the franchise last season, but LA let him walk in free agency. Jake LaRavia hasn't earned as starter's minutes, and Marcus Smart can’t stay healthy. The Lakers are still searching for their Finney-Smith replacement. It is the one thing they are definitely missing.
DFS is the perfect role player. He isn't going to ask for more shots or try to do too much. The 6’7 wing will defend any player on the floor and sink open shots. It is exactly what the Lakers need if they are going to defeat the Thunder and win a title. The Western Conference is still a bloodbath, and Los Angeles will have to navigate it.
The Lakers won’t bring back Luka’s friend, but they could get someone better on the trade market. Fans have heard the Andrew Wiggins rumors. That is the type of player that Pelinka and the franchise should be targeting. Ideally, they shoot around 40 percent from 3-point range and play stout defense across multiple positions.
Luka Doncic is the best pick-and-roll ball-handler in the world. Deandre Ayton is thriving at the five, but the hole for a corner 3-point shooter to spray out to is wide open. Smart is shooting just 25.4 percent from long range and has appeared in 14 of the first 22 games. Imagine if the Lakers had another option that was knocking down those shots and playing that level of defense? It is exactly what they need.
The Los Angeles Lakers are getting their hand forced by Luka Doncic’s greatness. The prime superstar is eager to win his first championship after guiding Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024. It is time for the Lakers to get him a 3-and-wing and to see how far he can lead them. Never count out Luka. He may just take over as the best player in the world and win it all if he gets the help he needs.