"A 3-headed monster in LA that doesn't like to defend" - NBA Analyst Slams Brakes on Austin Reaves Trade Buzz Despite Lakers Star Defensive Struggles

NBA writer Tom Haberstroh suggested that the LA Lakers should part ways with Austin Reaves. Haberstroh's reasoning is for the Lakers to address their defensive woes. The Big 3 of Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Doncic are heavily focused on the offensive end, highlighting their need to improve on the other side.

According to Haberstroh, breaking up the Big 3 could be the key to building a title contender for the Lakers around Doncic. However, former NBA player Lou Williams disagreed with the reporter. On Tuesday's episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Williams expressed his strong opinion against the proposed roster change for LA.

“God forbid, if somebody goes down, he’s shown you that he can be the guy that’s stepped in between the lines and hold it down for you on the offensive end,” Williams said. If Austin Reaves is the guy that’s holding you back on the defensive end, then we gotta have a conversation about Luka holding you back on the defensive end as well. “If we’re saying that this is a defensive argument, and Austin Reaves is the guy that’s gonna stop Luka from winning a championship, I don’t know about this.”

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Williams' co-host, Michelle Beadle, poked fun at the narrative that the star trio of the Lakers refuses to take up defensive challenges.

"There's a 3-headed monster in LA that doesn't like to defend at the moment," Beadle said.

While Reaves hasn't been the best defensive player for the Lakers, he's made up for it with his play on the other end. Through 23 games, the undrafted guard has averaged 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He has a shot at being an All-Star this season.

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Eddie Johnson pointed out that the Lakers' defensive struggles stem from Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic

Former NBA player Eddie Johnson believes that the problem with the Lakers is with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, not LeBron James. Johnson brought it up on X about how the blame is mostly on the four-time champion.

The former Phoenix Suns player pointed out how Doncic tends to complain to officials instead of getting back on defense. He also said that Reaves' lack of defensive tenacity isn't James' problem.

Johnson reacted to an interview with coach JJ Redick. The former NBA player explained that the Lakers have struggled since James returned from injury. This created a narrative that the four-time MVP is the cause of most of the defensive problems for LA.

"About to blow up in LA, this continues. 👀 🍿" Johnson posted.

Despite the defensive problems, the Lakers are 20-10 this season. They've been impressive amid the many lapses the team needs to work on.

Edited by Reign Amurao