While the Los Angeles Lakers currently sit among the top seeds in the Western Conference with a respectable 19-8 record, their success marks a glaring concern on the defensive end. Despite their strong standing, the Purple & Gold rank among the weakest defensive teams in the league, to the extent that even below-average opponents have been able to impose themselves against them.
With the players consistently displaying a lack of urgency on the defensive end, Rashad McCants has voiced his frustration, questioning why head coach JJ Redick has not addressed the issue directly with LeBron James and urged him to set a stronger example.
Considering that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are averaging 34.1 and 27.8 points per game, respectively, it is evident that James is no longer required to shoulder a heavy offensive burden for the team to win games. However, with the team ranking amongst the bottom nine defensively, it becomes increasingly important for the four-time MVP to leverage his experience and acumen in addressing the Lakers' most pressing weakness.
Put simply, it only seems obvious for everyone to expect LeBron to be the team's defensive catalyst and inspire his younger teammates to show more heart in getting stops. That way, the pressure to score insanely high points every night isn't necessary.
For MCCants, what is particularly troubling is Redick's approach of not holding King James accountable just because he is in Year 23 and there is a perceived notion that the Lakers are now "Luka's team." Rashad pointed out that historically, every team has improved only when the most experienced player is held accountable for showing more discipline, as it inspires the other players to follow suit and commit themselves to the cause.
"I don't give a f—k how old he is. You're on the f—ing court, you're supposed to be playing f—king defense. JJ Redick can't have a conversation with LeBron first? Why now? You're LeBron James! As a coach, you go from the top… listen, it's always gonna be LeBron's team, " McCants said. "If it's Gregg Popovich, he's holding Tim Duncan accountable, so he can hold everyone else accountable. In the same way, you gotta meet LeBron and say, 'I need you to set the example of stepping it up on the defensive end, so everybody else can.'"
While it would be unreasonable to expect James to defend with the same relentless intensity he displayed in his prime, what is being pointed out here is that effort, commitment and leadership are non-negotiable. What LeBron must demonstrate is a greater sense of urgency and resolve when the Lakers need crucial stops to secure wins. Scoring 130 points or more against teams such as the Houston Rockets or the Oklahoma City Thunder is meaningless if the Purple & Gold are unable to slow them down defensively.
As competition intensifies and the battle for playoff positioning becomes increasingly demanding, leadership from James may prove essential for the Lakers to hold onto their top-six seed in the West and propel them into a successful postseason run.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
