LeBron James’ defense could be Lakers’ biggest playoff weakness, NBA scout warns

The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a roll recently. They’re currently sitting in the third spot out West with a 50-31 record.

Related: LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry All-Time Head-to-Head Comparison

The Lakers look to be one of the teams that has the best chance to win the West this postseason. With LeBron and Luka Doncic, it isn’t hard to believe this.

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However, according to an anonymous NBA scout, the Lakers could be in some trouble and it’s thanks to LeBron’s defense.

“The thing with LeBron is he’s not going to foul; you can score on him with the right matchup,” the scout said. “With the right personnel, he could be exposed on defense in the playoffs. He’s amazing, taking nothing from him, but it’s a worry.

“Luka has to guard somebody, and you can wear him down,” the scout continued. “When LeBron is on the weak side, he switches so he doesn’t have to move as much. I’ve seen him do it several times in one possession. In the playoffs you will see teams target LeBron and Luka, put them in the pick-and-roll.”

LeBron has been inconsistent on the defensive end for the past few seasons. This isn’t a surprise as he is 40 years old. So far, LeBron has a defensive rating of 113.6 this season, which isn’t the greatest.

The Lakers have a solid team and likely will cruise through the earlier rounds of the playoffs. Once LA meets the top teams, however, they’re likely to target LeBron defensively and this could be the Lakers downfall this postseason.

About the Author Published Apr 13, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1