The Los Angeles Lakers had no trouble putting up points with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves leading the offense, but defensive issues caught up to them and played a major role in their first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The team simply lacked a reliable big man, and the backcourt duo of Luka and Reaves struggled to hold up defensively. When a 40-year-old was arguably their best wing defender, it became clear just how big the holes were. General manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged as much during his exit interview and made it clear that upgrading the defense will be a priority this offseason.
“I think just in terms of solidifying our defensive core on the wing and just making sure we have players that can defend the wing position,” Pelinka said. “That’s an essential need. We see it playing out in the playoffs. Any time you can upgrade your defensive core on the perimeter, I think that’s going to help.”
With the Lakers looking to clean up their defense this offseason, it’s no surprise Timberwolves’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one name emerging on the radar. He does the gritty work and takes on the defensive assignments teams are actively looking for, and it’s exactly what this group is missing.
The 26-year-old defensive guard is set to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent, and Bovada odds have the Lakers pegged as the most likely landing spot if he doesn’t stay in Minnesota.
“Los Angeles Lakers +235
Brooklyn Nets +290
Golden State Warriors +425
Miami Heat +525
Toronto Raptors +900”
The Lakers are the favorites to land Nickeil Alexander-Walker if he doesn’t stay in Minnesota, per @BovadaOfficial
Los Angeles Lakers +235
Brooklyn Nets +290
Golden State Warriors +425
Miami Heat +525
Toronto Raptors +900 pic.twitter.com/F3hcuklLXt— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 31, 2025
