Lakers’ Shocking 30-Point Defeat Exposes Major Flaws—Is a Star Player on the Trading Block?

LOS ANGELES — Following a disappointing defeat, JJ Redick expressed palpable frustration on Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs 132-119. This loss not only dashed the Lakers' hopes of claiming the NBA Cup but also meant forfeiting approximately $500,000 in potential bonus cash. The game highlighted persistent issues that plague the Lakers, as they were outpaced and overwhelmed by the Spurs, who exploited their weaknesses both in the paint and beyond the arc.

During the match, the Lakers struggled with defensive rotations, allowing too many open shots. Redick described the experience as an “unending trudge up an incline,” a metaphor that resonates with fans and analysts who have observed the team's ongoing battle with defensive consistency. “Very few teams don’t have something that you can expose,” Redick noted. “And we typically, consistently, got exposed (for) the same things.”

The crux of Redick’s concerns appears to center on the Lakers' inability to contain the ball. “I think being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” he remarked. This is not a new revelation; rival scouts have long identified the Lakers' lack of a point-of-attack defender as a significant gap in their roster. In high-paced losses—against teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and now the Spurs—this shortcoming has been magnified.

The upcoming NBA trade deadline on February 5 poses the question of whether the Lakers will make moves to address their defensive woes. However, opportunities appear limited. The player most frequently linked to the Lakers as a potential target is **Herbert Jones** of the New Orleans Pelicans. However, he cannot be traded until January 14 due to signing a three-year extension in July. Sources within the league indicate that New Orleans is not keen on parting with Jones, especially given the Lakers' current offer of expiring contracts and a single future first-round pick. This future pick, potentially viable in 2031 or 2032, has lost value due to the Pelicans' perceived stability under owner **Mark Walter**, who has demonstrated success with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As the Lakers look toward potential trades, the market for point-of-attack defenders seems underwhelming, primarily because teams at the bottom of the standings are unlikely to have much two-way talent to offer. Even players like **Keon Ellis** from the struggling Sacramento Kings are considered valuable enough that they won't come without a steep price. Consequently, the Lakers may need to rely on developing solutions internally rather than seeking external fixes.

With **LeBron James** returning to form after missing the preseason and initial part of the year, and the best individual defender, **Marcus Smart**, having missed ten games, the Lakers need to build their defensive cohesion quickly. James himself acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of containing opponents off the dribble and managing transition defense. “We know in the NBA it’s 82 games,” he said. “But I feel like we can be so much better.”

This moment of reflection comes despite the Lakers boasting a commendable record of 17-7. However, the losses raise pressing questions about their ability to contend effectively. Can they continue to use **Austin Reaves** as a primary on-ball defender without overextending him? Will a more rhythmically adjusted James serve as a defensive anchor? The crux of the matter might require the Lakers to consider sacrificing some of their offensive shooting prowess in favor of more defensive-minded lineups, including players like **Jarred Vanderbilt** or rookie **Adou Thiero**.

Reaves captured the sentiment within the locker room, stating, “That’s a weakness we got to be better at. The spirit’s still high in here. We know we can do it. But we have to be a group that guards with five people.” As the Lakers navigate their challenges, the urgency to enhance their perimeter defense looms large if they hope to close the gap with other contenders in the league.