Thinking Basketball #306: Trade deadline fit
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Feb 12, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the impact of the trade deadline on team dynamics. How will the Lakers and Mavericks shape their strategies with new star players? The potential of a Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis pairing is explored, alongside the intriguing fit of players like De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio and Jimmy Butler in Golden State. They also examine playoff prospects and the significance of defensive strategies, especially for the Lakers. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of the NBA!
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Lakers' Defensive Fit Concerns
- The Lakers' trade for Luka Dončić raises defensive fit concerns due to both Dončić and James's limited defensive mobility.
- Their offensive fit, however, is less concerning, especially with James's current high level of play.
Dončić Trade Enables Defensive Lineups
- Acquiring Dončić enables the Lakers to play more defense-first players like Finney-Smith and Vanderbilt.
- This is because Dončić and James's offensive prowess allows for defensive lineups without sacrificing too much offense.
Lakers' Defense Beyond Davis
- The Lakers' recent defensive success wasn't solely reliant on Davis, as they maintained strong defense even with his injury.
- The key question is how much their defense will decline with Dončić and James together, given their limitations.