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NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Keep Having the Same Problems When They Turn to Walker Kessler 2 Jun 24, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka introduces new head coach JJ Redick to the media during an introductory news conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka Wants to Focus on the Team’s Defensive Core Over the Summer

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 5, 2025 5:42 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t end their season on a high note in the 2025 playoffs. In just five games, the Lakers’ problems were exposed by the Minnesota Timberwolves. One of their biggest problems was the lack of a true big man. After trading away Anthony Davis, the team finished the season with thin frontcourt depth, putting Jaxson Hayes as their starting center.

In the postseason, however, Hayes had limited exposure against the Wolves. He appeared in four games and averaged 7.5 minutes. The most time he spent on the floor was nine minutes in Game 2, when the Lakers had a 94-85 win.

However, head coach JJ Redick had difficulty putting Hayes in the lineup, relying only on the team’s small-ball option. Heading into the offseason, this is one of the main concerns for the Lakers.

Aside from the Lakers’ lack of size, general manager Rob Pelinka wants to emphasize acquiring capable wing defenders.

“I think just solidifying our defensive core on the wings and just making sure that we have players that can defend the wing position,” he said at his end-of-the-season press conference. “That’s an essential need, we see it playing out in the playoffs. Anytime you can upgrade your defensive core on the perimeter, I think that’s gonna help.”

In addition to addressing the center position, Rob Pelinka also wants to add to the Lakers' defensive core on the wing.https://t.co/8b2jKvpf0d

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 5, 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers want to acquire guys with quicker reflexes to offset Luka Doncic’s defensive shortcomings. In addition to Doncic, Austin Reaves lacks the defensive perseverance necessary to be a dependable ball stopper.

Rob Pelinka still has confidence in the Los Angeles Lakers’ trio

Los Angeles Lakers Legend Gets 100% Honest About Biggest Threat in Timberwolves Series 1 Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates with forward LeBron James (center) and Austin Reaves (right) after scoring against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers formed a high-scoring Big 3 after they acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The 6-foot-6 guard and LeBron James were already considered All-Star players. But Reaves stepped up his game and was a reliable offensive weapon. The undrafted guard finished the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 20.2 points, the first time in his career.

Despite how their campaign ended in the postseason, Pelinka still believes in the star trio and what they can do on the floor.

“The level of confidence in Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Doncic is at an all-time high still, so no change about how we feel about those three guys,” Pelinka said. “And in terms of assessing it, we lost the series so we did not accomplish what we wanted to do which was winning this series. But in every series, to me, it’s like a game of chess. You learn and when you get to play the game the next time you’re better.

Pelinka wants to see the three players together for some time, which is why he wants to surround the Los Angeles Lakers with capable role players.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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