The Los Angeles Lakers will never get over the hump until they truly invest in defense. It's a harsh reality that boils down to the simple fact that Los Angeles is tasking veterans with performing above their baseline in order to mask self-created flaws and weaknesses.
Until Rob Pelinka stops expecting players with questionable defensive track records to pick up the slack for the stars who share the same distinction, the Lakers will never truly contend.
The list of players whom Pelinka has gambled on being able to change core elements of their reputations has grown beyond reason.