Lakers Urged to Add Elite All-Defensive Forwards to Boost Frontcourt

Sep 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka leaves a press conference to preview the 2025-26 season at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images

With a 22-game sample size, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Los Angeles Lakers have a major problem on defense.

The Lakers have the 21st-highest defensive rating, and Friday night's 126-105 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics didn't help their case. The Lakers fell behind 39-17 at the end of the first quarter in a game that was never close.

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While both LeBron James and Luka Doncic missed Friday's game, the Lakers ceded 55 percent of the Celtics shots, including 53 percent of their three-point attempts. In addition, the Celtics easily maneuvered the Lakers defense, out-assisting the Lakers by 16.

With an offense that's built to win a championship, led by the dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities of Doncic and guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers will likely address their defensive shortcomings in the trade market.

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Some in the media have linked the Lakers to Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is reportedly considering requesting a trade. While adding the two-time MVP would instantly make the Lakers the scariest team in the NBA, the move might not be the best from a team building standpoint — although it is hard to argue against the combination of Antetokounmpo, Reaves, Doncic, James and Deandre Ayton.

Should the Lakers decide against selling the farm for Antetokounmpo, they could focus on adding a player known for his All-Defensive Team prowess, such as New Orleans forward Herbert Jones, one of the league's top defenders, or Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks — whose history with LeBron James would make for a fascinating side plot to the remainder of the Lakers' season.

The Fit of Herbert Jones, Dillon Brooks in LA

"If you think the Los Angeles Lakers are menacing now, just imagine what they'd look like if their best two-way perimeter player wasn't a competition between Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart," writes NBA insider Dan Favale. "Either Herb Jones or Dillon Brooks would outfit this team with the type of stopper who can propel them to a deeper playoff push. Both would also cost first-round goodies."

The Lakers, with a dynamic offense and a serious chance at contending in the Western Conference, should feel encouraged to part with a few picks and players if it means shoring up their defense in time for the second half of the postseason and for the playoffs.

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