Recruitment of ‘Defender of the Year’ → Lakers’ defense reinforcement ‘completed’… LeBron, the fifth ring Jeong Jo -jun (SS intensive analysis)

Sports | basketball

(Sports Seoul | Reporter Kang Yoon -sik) The US professional basketball (NBA) prestigious LA Lakers completed the defense reinforcement that was pointed out as a weakness. He has been from the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). LeBron James, 41, aiming for the fifth championship ring, is also ripe.

The Lakers succeeded in having a buy -out Marcus smart in Washington. This led to the reinforcement of the 2025-26 season. Although there may be additional movements through the trade, there is no remaining salary to recruit other players in the free agent (FA) market.

The Lakers recruited Jake Larabia and Dianth Athon in the early days of the off -season. The next season’s best 5 is expected to be Luka Donchi-Austin Reeves-Louis Hachimura-LeBron James-ATon. Attacks have no problem, but defense has been pointed out as a weakness.

There are no defensive players such as new Larabia, existing members, Jaedad Vander Built and Gabe Vincent. But a more certain defensive resource was needed. At this time, the smart recruitment.

Smart is one of the best defensive guards. In 2022, he was chosen by DPOY. If Reeves and Donchi go out to the coat at the timing of rest, they are expected to help the team’s defense. In some cases, you may be selected instead of Hachimura.

With smart recruitment, the Lakers’ power has become stronger. ‘Defending Champion’ Oklahoma City is still powerful, and Houston, Denver and Dallas have a strong power during the off -season. The Lakers also succeeded in building a squad to compete with them.

Naturally, James’s possibility of winning is also eye -catching. James is a player who is not missing when discussing the best players of the NBA. James’s time goes to the end. The remaining contract with the Lakers is one year. The retirement story began to come out.

James was a strong desire for the winning ring throughout his career. You have to take advantage of the opportunity. Lakers’ movements that have enhanced defense by smart recruitment are inevitable. Attacks are also attack, but defense must be strong.

The next season’s NBA is expected to have a ‘East’. The power of the western teams is so full. Lakers also join in this rank. Last year, James and Lakers swallowed in the first round of the playoffs. Perhaps it might be James’ Last Dance. Can you reach the championship? skywalker@sportsseoul.com