Fansided

5 offseason needs for the Los Angeles Lakers

By Luke Norris

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 1: A detailed shot of the Los Angeles Lakers logo taken during the game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on April 1, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 93-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - APRIL 1: A detailed shot of the Los Angeles Lakers logo taken during the game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on April 1, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 93-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 27: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 114-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 27: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 114-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Hire a defensive-minded head coach

When starting to piece this article together, the initial headline was going to be “Make sure Tyronn Lue really is the right choice.” However, as the signing of Tyronn Lue now looking like it’s not going to happen, I guess that’s not necessary as the Lakers actually feel that he’s not the right guy. So it’s now on to Plan C. Yes, Lue was actually Plan B.

While it seems that Lue was always going to be the option following the departure of Luke Walton, especially given his history with coaching LeBron James, I will say that the Lakers did a good job of not just handing him the job and actually looking at other candidates. They took a long look at Monty Williams and it seemed that the team was actually leaning towards hiring him before he accepted the job with the Phoenix Suns, which some say caught the Lakers by surprise to an extent. But with Williams going to Phoenix, Lue seemed like the logical choice, especially given his history with LeBron. So who to look to now?

So we know that the Lakers can put up points. But you have to be able to stop the other team from scoring. I mean, that’s the whole point, right? You score, they don’t and you win basketball games. Yes, I’m completely aware that the league has changed and defense isn’t the biggest priority anymore but it’s going to have to become one for L.A. if they want to compete, especially in the Western Conference. The Lakers ranked 20th in overall team defense in 2018-19 and the Lakers have to bring in a defensive-minded head coach.

The correct choice here should be former Pacers and Magic head coach Frank Vogel. Vogel likes to play a somewhat conservative pick-and-roll defense but his teams have always played up on the ball, making it more difficult to get good shots off. Interior defense has been an issue for the Lakers and Vogel likes his bigs to play tough on the ball on the inside as well. This hire needs to happen and needs to happen quickly.

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