5 Defensive Minded Players The Lakers Need To Target Quickly

The Lakers are 12-11, but their record doesn’t tell the full story. Defensively, they’ve been struggling to find any consistency, ranking 21st in defensive rating at 118.2. Things hit a low point recently when they got blown out 134-93 by the Heat, allowing a brutal 24 threes in the process. That game was a harsh reminder of how vulnerable this team can be against good offenses.

With LeBron James doing everything he can at age 39 and Anthony Davis battling to stay healthy, the Lakers can’t afford to let their defense slide. To tighten things up and get back on track, targeting a few defensive specialists is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity

Walker Kessler

 

Potential Trade Offer: Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schiffino, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

Walker Kessler has been on the Lakers’ radar for a while, and it’s no mystery why. Back in October, there were already reports linking the team to the young big man, and with their defensive struggles, the interest hasn’t cooled off. Kessler is exactly the kind of player the Lakers need right now—someone who can protect the rim, grab rebounds, and take some of the defensive load off Anthony Davis.

This season, Kessler has been putting up 11.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, which is elite production for a player still early in his career. The Jazz, though, are having a rough season. They’re sitting at 5-17, and with no real shot at making the playoffs, they’re looking at all options for the future. The Lakers have apparently floated trade ideas before, but Utah wasn’t interested in taking back D’Angelo Russell. They’d rather have picks, and with two first-rounders still on the table, the Jazz might finally budge.

The cost here is massive. The Lakers are talking about their few remaining first-round picks—2029 and 2031—which makes this deal a huge gamble. But let’s be real, when Anthony Davis isn’t on the floor, the Lakers’ defense falls apart faster than a house of cards. They simply don’t have the depth to cover for him, and Kessler could be the answer. His shot-blocking presence would instantly stabilize their defense, even when Davis is on the bench or out with injuries (which happens more than the team would like to admit).

Adding Kessler doesn’t just help defensively—it makes life easier for LeBron James, too. At 39 years old, LeBron shouldn’t be asked to play heavy minutes on both ends of the court. Kessler would let him focus more on running the offense while keeping the paint locked down on defense. That balance could make a world of difference as the team tries to stay competitive in the West.

The big question is whether the Lakers are willing to go all-in on a player who’s still developing. Kessler isn’t a star yet, but he’s shown he can anchor a defense, and pairing him with Davis could make the Lakers a nightmare in the paint. It’s a risky move, but for a team with LeBron in the twilight of his career, waiting around for perfect opportunities might not be an option.

Kessler is exactly the kind of piece the Lakers need to make a deep playoff run. The only thing standing in the way is the steep price. Are the Lakers ready to sacrifice their future for a shot at stability now? That’s the dilemma they’ll have to figure out.

Marcus Smart

 

Potential Trade Offer: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick

The Lakers reportedly looked at Marcus Smart as a potential defensive upgrade, and honestly, it makes a ton of sense. Smart has always been the kind of player who brings grit, leadership, and defensive intensity, which the Lakers could use in buckets right now. This season, he’s averaging 9.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals, while being that guy who locks down the opposing team’s best guard every night.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are doing pretty well at 16-8, sitting near the top of the Western Conference. They’ve been solid on defense, but their outside shooting has been hit or miss. That’s where D’Angelo Russell comes in. He’s far from perfect, but he’s a proven scorer who can hit from deep and take some of the offensive pressure off their young stars. Memphis could really use a guy who can create his own shot and space the floor consistently.

Smart’s value to the Lakers goes beyond the box score. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone defensively and gets under opponents’ skin. Adding him to the roster would help fix some of the Lakers’ issues guarding the perimeter, which has been a glaring weakness this season. Plus, with his playoff experience and leadership, he’s exactly the type of player who fits next to LeBron and AD.

The trade wouldn’t come cheap. Giving up D’Lo, Hood-Schifino, and multiple picks is a big ask, especially considering the Lakers don’t have a lot of draft capital to begin with. But the front office knows they can’t afford to waste time while LeBron is still playing at a high level. Getting a player like Smart could be the kind of move that pushes the team back into serious playoff contention.

For Memphis, losing Smart wouldn’t be ideal, but adding Russell could give their offense a much-needed boost. His ability to create offense and score in bunches might be enough to convince the Grizzlies to let go of their defensive leader.

This trade idea is a gamble for both sides. The Lakers would be betting on Smart’s defense outweighing the loss of scoring from Russell, while Memphis would have to decide if the offensive upgrade is worth losing the heart and soul of their defense. It’s a bold move, but for a Lakers team trying to make the most of LeBron’s final years, it might just be the right one.