Lakers Should Heed Warning From LeBron’s Proxy Pressure Campaign

The criticism isn’t baseless. Austin Reaves acknowledged after a 132-119 NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Spurs that defense remains an issue. “That’s a weakness we got to get better at. The spirit is still high in here, we know we can do it … But we have to be a group that guards with five people,” Reaves told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Despite the Lakers’ offensive firepower — James, Dončić, and Reaves averaging elite numbers — defensive lapses remain a concern. Poor transition defense, limited rim protection, and inconsistent perimeter coverage have been persistent themes. Paul has referenced the team’s playoff struggles against Minnesota, where size and athleticism overwhelmed Los Angeles, as evidence that current construction might not withstand postseason intensity.

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Leverage, Not Analysis

Critically, Paul’s statements are as much about strategy as basketball analysis. By airing concerns publicly, he applies pressure on the front office months before LeBron’s contract discussions begin. His timing ensures the narrative frames LeBron as the victim of insufficient support, rather than the beneficiary of a competitive roster.

LeBron’s camp could have communicated these concerns privately to Lakers management, but instead chose to use a public podcast to apply pressure. This strategy not only forces the team to respond but also provides plausible deniability if LeBron later pushes for roster upgrades or considers free agency.

The Missing Piece: A 3-and-D Wing

Even with the team’s early success, analysts and insiders agree a strategic addition could push the Lakers from regular-season contenders to Finals threats. The consensus centers on acquiring a true 3-and-D wing — a player capable of guarding multiple positions, switching seamlessly, and spacing the floor offensively.

Bill Simmons recently suggested New Orleans’ Herb Jones as a realistic target, noting the fit: “Jones isn’t a headline scorer, but that’s why he makes sense. The Lakers already have offensive engines. What they lack is a perimeter defender capable of changing games without demanding touches.” Jones’ combination of length, defensive instincts, and team-friendly contract could address the Lakers’ structural gaps.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick echoed this assessment, citing LA’s ongoing pursuit of a 3-and-D-type player. “Could it be Keon Ellis, Herb Jones, or somebody like that? That’s the profile they’re hunting,” Amick wrote.

A Defining Decision for the Lakers

The Lakers are in a delicate spot. Sitting at 17-6 with LeBron producing at a high level, they can’t be accused of inaction. Yet the postseason stakes are clear: Oklahoma City and other Western Conference powerhouses set the standard for depth, defensive versatility, and athleticism.

Paul’s podcast comments serve as both a warning and negotiation leverage, signaling the urgency of addressing roster gaps. The question now falls to the front office: invest aggressively to surround LeBron with defensive balance and complementary talent, or rely on existing strengths and hope regular-season success translates to postseason dominance.

Ultimately, Los Angeles may be just one decisive move away from converting its championship window into a legitimate three-peat — with a defender like Herb Jones potentially making all the difference.