As terrific as the Los Angeles Lakers have been, winning eight in a row to seize the third seed in the loaded Western Conference, critics still question their legitimacy come playoff time, given how atrocious their defense has been for most of the season.
However, Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green begs to differ, saying that so long as Luka Doncic and LeBron James are playing as well as they are right now, the Lakers have as good a chance as any to make a lot of noise in the postseason.
As someone who has played 14 seasons in the NBA, Dray knows what it's like to deal with premier players like Luka and LeBron. So, when he says that the Purple and Gold's prized duo aren't a tandem that can be messed with easily, it's best to listen to what he has to say.
"How dangerous can they be during the playoffs? And a part of me wants to say not very dangerous at all, but the other side of me knows better," Dray said on his podcast. "You got Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the court at the same time. You have a chance always against anyone."
The Lakers' current eight-game winning streak has seen the team play at its very best, thanks to Luka's and LeBron's sensational performances. The Don has been on an absolute tear, averaging 40.9 points on 50.2 percent shooting, including a white-hot 42.2 percent from long range. He punctuated that run by scoring 40 and 60 points, respectively, in his last two games.
Meanwhile, the King has been just as devastating. Despite taking fewer shots (13 field goal attempts) over his last five matches, he has averaged 20.4 points on 64.6 percent shooting.
"Healthy Luka Doncic, healthy LeBron James — you have two of the best game managers in the last 30 years. You're going to have a chance," Draymond stated.
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The Lakers' defense has ramped up significantly in March. With former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart setting the tone, they have been more active on that end, moving their feet, communicating coverages better and protecting the rim like a lioness watching over her cubs.
However, Green pointed out that it remains to be seen if the Lakers can consistently do this when the stakes get higher in the playoffs.
"Teams that will put pressure on them, that will make it tough on them in the playoffs, is making them guard… not a great defensive team at all. Kind of does some gimmicky stuff, like some gimmicky zone that turns into a man," Dray said. "And in a playoff series, if you're doing that — like maybe one game, maybe two games — they figure out a couple plays to dice that s—t up, and then you got to play regular defense."
"In saying that, I do worry about their defense. But the way Marcus Smart has been playing, he's taken that on. Deandre Ayton's been playing better. We have to, you know — you need to see that for an extended period of time though," he added.
The playoffs is where the wheat gets sorted out from the chaff. It's the ultimate testing ground for any team. And while the Lakers have undoubtedly hit their stride late in the season, it remains to be seen if they can keep that momentum going well into the postseason.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
