After another blowout loss, Lakers target defensive wings

The Los Angeles Lakers, currently 23rd in the league in points allowed, showed again on Monday why they may need to bolster their defense.

The Lakers (19-9) were dominated by the Phoenix Suns, falling 132-108, as Phoenix took a 2-1 regular-season series lead and improved to 16-13.

With Luka Doncic sidelined by injury, LeBron James led Los Angeles with 23 points despite sitting out the fourth quarter.

Lakers acknowledge defensive issues, have trade targets

Lakers coach J.J. Redick had previously acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles earlier in the season.

“Being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” Redick said of his team’s point-of-attack defense after the Spurs eliminated Los Angeles from the NBA Cup. San Antonio’s young guards repeatedly blew past their defenders, attacked the paint, and either scored or kicked the ball out for open three-pointers.

Questions are growing about whether the Lakers’ defense is strong enough to support a deep playoff run in James’ 23rd season. That’s why the team is reportedly focusing on adding defensive wings, particularly versatile 3-and-D players, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5. 

Two elite defensive wings suggested

Woike reports that the Pelicans’ Herb Jones tops the Lakers’ wish list, though New Orleans is asking a steep price for him—or for Trey Murphy III—and is reportedly reluctant to trade either.

Sacramento’s Keon Ellis is also available; he’s a disruptive perimeter defender but a limited ball handler and not physically strong enough to switch onto bigger forwards.

Other potential defensive wing options include Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers), Terrance Mann (Nets), and Andrew Wiggins (Heat).