Lakers' Defense in Crisis: Beyond Doncic

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 9:05 GMT by Sporting News
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Lakers' Defensive Crisis: Beyond Luka Doncic, a Systemic Breakdown

Luka Doncic continues to torment the Los Angeles Lakers, but the issue isn't simply his individual brilliance. The recent games, particularly Sunday's defeat, have exposed a fundamental flaw within the Lakers' defensive structure - or rather, the distinct lack of one. The simple question posed by Donovan Mitchell during the game, "What's he doing?", wasn't a rhetorical one born of frustration; it was a genuine cry for understanding from a player who has witnessed Doncic's dominance firsthand, and a stark indication that the Lakers themselves are struggling to decipher their opponent's offensive patterns.

Doncic's statistics against the Lakers - averaging a remarkable 35.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists over his last five encounters, all losses for the Lakers - are merely symptoms of a deeper problem. It's not enough to acknowledge the high point totals; the manner in which he achieves them is far more concerning. He isn't forcing shots; he's methodically exploiting weaknesses, consistently finding openings, and seemingly playing against a team that reacts rather than proactively defends.

The Lakers' defensive approach, as currently constructed, isn't a 'system' in the true sense of the word. A cohesive defensive system relies on pre-determined rotations, communication protocols, and a collective understanding of opponent tendencies. What the Lakers exhibit is a collection of talented individuals - LeBron James and Anthony Davis being prime examples - attempting to individually contain a player who thrives on exploiting mismatches and manipulating defenses. This approach is inherently unsustainable against a player of Doncic's caliber, and frankly, against any competent NBA offense.

Coach Darvin Ham has understandably experimented with various defensive schemes. Switching, doubling, zone coverage - all have been tried, and all have ultimately failed to significantly disrupt Doncic's rhythm. While Ham's efforts aren't lacking in intent, they point to a crucial issue: the Lakers' players aren't effectively executing a plan, likely because a clearly defined, practiced, and understood plan doesn't exist. Ham's post-game acknowledgement, "We've got to do a better job of getting better reads on him and communicating," underscores this point. It's a reactive statement, admitting a deficiency in preparedness and collective awareness.

This isn't simply a Luka Doncic problem. While Doncic is the immediate catalyst exposing the vulnerability, the underlying issue will plague the Lakers against any skilled and intelligent offensive player. Consider the context of the modern NBA. Teams now dedicate significant resources to film study, scouting reports, and offensive play-calling designed to exploit opponent weaknesses. Without a robust and adaptable defensive system, the Lakers are essentially handing their opponents a blueprint for success. They are relying on individual brilliance to compensate for systemic deficiencies, a strategy that is rarely successful in a league predicated on team play.

Furthermore, the lack of communication highlights a potential lack of trust and cohesion within the defensive unit. Effective communication isn't just about verbally calling out switches or rotations; it's about anticipating movements, understanding rotations before they happen, and supporting teammates in critical moments. This level of coordination requires consistent practice, repetition, and a shared understanding of the defensive principles.

The Lakers' reliance on individual talent, while historically a winning formula, is proving insufficient in the current NBA landscape. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still capable of carrying the team offensively, but their defensive impact is diminished when they are constantly forced to compensate for a lack of defensive structure. To truly contend, the Lakers need to invest in building a cohesive defensive system, one that isn't reliant on hero-ball plays but rather on collective responsibility, proactive communication, and a thorough understanding of opponent tendencies. Simply hoping to "get better reads" isn't a viable long-term strategy; a fundamental shift in defensive philosophy and execution is required. The question isn't just what Doncic is doing, but how the Lakers can systematically and consistently disrupt his ability to do it. Until they address this systemic breakdown, they will continue to be a team vulnerable to exploitation by offensive masterminds like Luka Doncic.