Brian Windhorst drops a bold take on what’s missing in the Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves game plan

The Lakers made a power move by trading for Luka Doncic—but in doing so, they might’ve left their back door wide open. Anthony Davis’ departure didn’t just leave a roster spot—it left a defensive void.

The Timberwolves exposed it in Game 3, and analysts like Brian Windhorst are now warning what’s at stake. Without rim protection, all that offensive talent could go to waste.

The trade that brought Luka Doncic may have quietly opened up a bigger problem

After the significant trade of Anthony Davis in February—where he was moved to Dallas for Luka Doncic—Los Angeles lost more than just an All-Star. They also lost a crucial defensive anchor. In the first round of the playoffs, Jaxson Hayes filled in for Davis, and the Lakers suffered: Minnesota outscored them 56‑26 in the paint in Game 3 alone.

Windhorst mentions that without a reliable rim defender, perimeter skills don’t carry much weight — especially when the matchups change sides.Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are great on offense, but they don’t provide solid defense. League analysts have noted the team's ineffective closeouts and the vulnerability in the paint throughout the series. JJ Redick summed it up well — "We don’t have rim protection.

If we let players get by us, we’re going to give up points." Their playoff defensive rating was among the worst, which is exactly the issue Windhorst points out.

Windhorst’s message was clear: if the Lakers intend to run their perimeter-heavy lineup long-term, they must invest in interior defense. He didn’t call for another superstar, just “somebody who can defend at the rim”. They’ve got to find a solid athletic center—think Onyeka Okongwu or Mitchell Robinson—whether it’s through free agency, a minor trade, or the draft to really own their paint.The Lakers have choices. They might go after experienced rim-protectors like Clint Capela or Brook Lopez, look into expiring contracts like Daniel Gafford, or aim for long-term potential with a player like Nicolas Claxton. One thing's for sure: their offense won't hit its peak unless they secure the paint.Also Read: Lonzo Ball was supposed to revive the Los Angeles Lakers but something went wrongThe Lakers kicked off the offseason with a bang—Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves all on board—but the playoffs showed some cracks in their foundation. Brian Windhorst’s warning is straightforward yet tough: having talent isn’t enough without a solid defensive anchor. As the offseason chatter intensifies, the Lakers’ top priority is to secure that cornerstone. If they fail, even their star trio might not shine as bright.