When the Los Angeles Lakers paired Luka Doncic with LeBron James final season, the largest query surrounding the roster was whether or not it might hold on the defensive finish.
James was as soon as a defensive pressure; nonetheless, he is began to indicate indicators of slippage on that facet of the ground lately. Doncic, in the meantime, has persistently obtained criticism for his lack of upside on the defensive finish.
The Lakers have made a transfer to assist present some much-needed stability to the roster. JJ Redick’s group is anticipated so as to add 2022 Defensive Participant of the Yr Marcus Good. The Lakers are at the moment ready on Good’s buyout from the Washington Wizards to grow to be official.
Shortly after the information of Good’s impending addition broke on social media, NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Doncic had performed a big function in Good’s anticipated choice to hitch the Lakers.
Convincing Good to maneuver to the Lakers cannot have been straightforward. At his core, he is a Boston Celtics product and a fan favourite within the TD Backyard. Crossing that divide, even after two years away from the franchise, was doubtless a tricky choice.
However, the Lakers are set to have probably the greatest on-ball defenders within the NBA on their roster. The problem will probably be making certain he stays wholesome. Good has struggled with accidents since leaving Boston. He performed simply 20 video games for the Grizzlies within the 2023-24 season and 34 video games final season. The Lakers will want him at his finest if they will reap the rewards of bringing Good to the Metropolis of Angels.
Nonetheless, the largest takeaway of Good’s doubtless addition is that after simply half a season, Doncic’s affect is beginning to attain across the NBA. He is the brand new face of the Lakers franchise, and if there have been any doubts about his standing because the alpha canine, Good’s addition ought to put them to mattress.
Now, although, Doncic should show he might be extra than a heliocentric star. He should present he can lead the group to a championship within the coming years. Good may help. He is skilled within the postseason, having been the first ball-handler en path to Boston’s 2022 NBA Finals look.
The Lakers are poised to make a powerful addition. They will thank Doncic for making it doable. In the end, they look like a franchise transferring in the correct route.
