LeBron James and Luka Doncic Must Fix Lakers Defense

JJ Redick has asked for more defensive effort from LeBron James and Luka Dončić, according to comments Dončić made to reporters. The Lakers sit 18 and 7 and look potent on offense with Dončić averaging 34.7 points 8.8 assists and 8.7 rebounds, and a 7 and 2 record with LeBron back after missing 14 games with sciatica. Yet Los Angeles ranks 20th in defensive rating, and that gap will be exposed against elite Western teams like Denver Oklahoma City San Antonio Houston and Minnesota. Merlin sees a brilliant offense that cannot carry every playoff series alone. Redick asking for "more defensive effort" is a call for clearer rotations and harder help defense. If LeBron can conserve energy and the team commits to effort and communication, the Lakers can climb the standings. Their quick road test in Utah will reveal how serious the fix is.