The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing, and the problem was on full display in the 112-100 Sunday Night Basketball loss to the New York Knicks. Luka Doncic had a 30-point double-double, and LeBron had 22 points, five rebounds, and six dimes. The stars simply didn’t get enough help from the team’s best perimeter defenders.
Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt went a combined four of 20 from the field, including making just two 3-pointers. LA needs those players on the floor for their defense, but they can’t win if they don’t make shots. The Knicks were putting two on Luka and LeBron.