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A Defensive Gamble or Offensive Overhaul?
The Los Angeles Lakers made a blockbuster move this offseason, acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas. While the move was hailed as a major win for the Lakers’ offense, franchise legend Michael Cooper isn’t convinced.
Cooper, a key defensive force in the Lakers’ Showtime era, voiced his concerns about the trade, arguing that the team sacrificed its defensive core for pure scoring firepower. In his eyes, the Lakers have now assembled “three of the worst defenders in the NBA” in Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
Cooper’s Take: Defense Wins Championships
Cooper didn’t hold back in his criticism of the trade, acknowledging its offensive upside but emphasizing the defensive liability it creates.
“I don’t necessarily like the trade. I respect the trade. I don’t like the trade because you had [Max] Christie, a young, good perimeter defensive player. Yes, very good, and AD—that’s defense wins championships. They don’t have that now. You’ve got probably three of the worst defensive players on the Lakers team but three of the best offensive scorers on the Lakers team in Luka, Reaves, and LeBron.”
For Cooper, the issue isn’t just about individual defensive skills—it’s about effort and system. He cited Magic Johnson as an example, pointing out that while Magic wasn’t an elite one-on-one defender, he excelled in team defense, particularly as a double-team presence.
“Magic Johnson was not a great one-on-one defender, but he was a hell of a double-team defender. He was always there to help. He was always there to double-team a player… Playing defense, you have to put your heart into that, and you gotta want to play.”
Lakers’ Defensive Reality Post-Trade
Cooper’s concerns aren’t entirely unwarranted, but the numbers tell an evolving story. Losing Davis, a premier shot-blocker and paint enforcer, and Christie, a promising perimeter defender, could have spelled disaster. However, the Lakers’ defense has managed to hold firm.
Since the trade, their defensive rating in February has improved to 109.9—the fourth-best in the NBA, significantly better than their season average of 113.9. Under head coach JJ Redick, the team has adjusted by focusing on aggressive defensive schemes rather than relying on a single elite defender.
Can the Lakers’ Defense Hold Up?
While Cooper questions the Lakers’ ability to compete defensively, the team is proving they can survive—even without Davis.
LeBron James has long been known for selectively engaging on defense, preserving energy for the playoffs. With Doncic taking on more of the offensive workload, LeBron could theoretically contribute more on the other end. Meanwhile, Doncic himself is showing flashes of defensive effort, particularly in high-stakes matchups.
Austin Reaves, often criticized for his defense, has also been more engaged, fitting into Redick’s defensive philosophy. The key for the Lakers will be maintaining effort and smart positioning to compensate for their lack of an elite rim protector.
Looking Ahead: Can the Lakers Find Balance?
The Lakers may not have the defensive presence of the past, but they are proving that a well-structured system and team-wide commitment can make up for individual weaknesses. While Cooper’s skepticism is understandable, the Lakers are adapting.
Come summer, the team will likely look to bolster its defense with roster tweaks. But for now, the so-called “three worst defenders” are finding ways to make it work—perhaps enough to silence the doubters.