Why a glaring weakness will cost LA Lakers the 2027 ring

Writer David Schiavone argues that perimeter defensive weaknesses could prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from winning the 2027 championship despite building an elite offense around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Following the departure of LeBron James, the franchise acquired center Walker Kessler on a four-year, $130 million contract to protect the rim, but defensive vulnerabilities remain at the guard positions.

Head coach JJ Redick is attempting to mask these limitations by utilizing defenders such as Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle, alongside an aggressive full-court press. However, Schiavone asserts that sustained playoff success against elite Western Conference contenders will depend heavily on whether the Lakers can maintain disciplined half-court perimeter resistance.