The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing, and the problem was on full display in the 112-100 Sunday Night Basketball loss to the New York Knicks. Luka Doncic had a 30-point double-double, and LeBron had 22 points, five rebounds, and six dimes. The stars simply didn’t get enough help from the team’s best perimeter defenders.
Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt went a combined four of 20 from the field, including making just two 3-pointers. LA needs those players on the floor for their defense, but they can’t win if they don’t make shots. The Knicks were putting two on Luka and LeBron. It forced the role players to step up, and they failed at Madison Square Garden.
Doncic is leading the league in scoring, and King James is still playing like a superstar. The Lakers are currently without Austin Reaves, but he is nearing a return. They have a star trio, but LA needs role players to step up in the biggest games. LA's lack of 3-and-D wings is unquestionably their biggest problem.
Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing before the trade deadline
Smart and Vanderbilt are stout defenders, but can’t make open looks. Players like that are difficult to play for significant minutes in the playoffs. Teams will sag off and force them to make shots. Vando simply can’t make them, and Smart is inconsistent. Neither should be trusted in the biggest moments.
LaRavia has had some success, but does not always fire when open. That is also problematic for the Lakers.
LA desperately needs a point of attack defender that sinks open looks. It is why fans were upset when the purple and gold missed out on Keon Ellis. He may have been their best shot at getting a 3-and-D wing before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The Knicks took full advantage on Sunday night. They made six more 3-pointers in a game they won by 12 points. New York was making LA pay on both ends of the floor, and it was a similar story to what Lakers fans have seen against the top teams.
Rob Pelinka is in a difficult position. The Lakers have just one tradeable first-round draft pick and do not want to take on long-term salary. Finding a 3-and-D wing at that price who will be a free agent this summer is all but impossible. LA will have to bend somewhere if they want to become a serious title threat this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a 3-and-D wing to play off Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The problems with the current options were on full display for everyone to see against the Knicks. Luka thrives with shooting and defense supporting him. LA is building around him, so expect the upgrades to come, even if it is not before Thursday’s deadline.
Fans may have to wait, even if that causes some short-term pain. The Lakers want to be elite for years, and the pressure is on to make it happen. All supporters can do is stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.