Idea of Michael Porter Jr. Joining the Lakers Doesn’t Sit Well with Fans – “They Don’t Understand the Concept of Defense”

Based on reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are showing interest in Michael Porter Jr.

Idea of Michael Porter Jr. Joining the Lakers Doesn’t Sit Well with Fans – “They Don’t Understand the Concept of Defense”

Michael Porter Jr. (Image credits - Firstsportz)

With the NBA trade season in full swing, a lot of movement is expected on trade deadline and one of the names whose future is up in the air is Michael Porter Jr. One of the teams linked to the young forward are the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are coming off a 115-107 victory over Porter Jr.’s former team, Denver Nuggets, on Tuesday night.

Drafted as the 14th pick by the Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft, Michael Porter Jr. spent six seasons with the franchise, playing an important role in helping them win the championship in 2023, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson in the offseason.

While the Nets sit at 13th in the Eastern Conference standings, Porter Jr. has put up impressive numbers in his first season with the Nets. The 27-year-old is currently averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 33 appearances.

While the Lakers have had a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign and are currently placed at fifth in the Western Conference standings, they have had some struggles over the last few weeks. With Luka Doncic playing at an MVP level and LeBron James showing no signs of slowing down after turning 41, Lakers boast an elite offense.

As great as the offense may be, it is the defense that wins championships. And the Lakers have been one of the poorest defenses in the league halfway into the season. Over the last few weeks, they have been exposed defensively on a consistent basis, especially against young and athletic teams. Hence, many do not view the Lakers as championship contenders this season, despite their impressive start to the season.

NBA insider Matt Moore argued that there is a possibility that the Lakers will pursue Porter Jr. ahead of the trade deadline.

Have heard about a lot of talks between the Lakers and Nets the past two years and they did the DFS trade already so there’s a relationship. Claxton would be a very good get, but there’s also the possibility of their going in for MPJ.

Considering there is a gap between the Lakers and the top teams in the west, the Lakers management are expected to be active in the trade market and improve the roster heading forward.

Fans react to rumors linking Michael Porter Jr. to the Lakers

There is no doubt that Porter Jr. has been impressive for the Nets this season, but it would be an unexpected move on the Lakers part, as they are in dire need of good defenders, something Porter Jr. is not known for. Lakers fans were quick to take to the internet and express their opinions, with many not impressed by the reports.

It remains to be seen how the Lakers approach the trade deadline. A move for Porter Jr. does not necessarily make sense as they already have Austin Reaves, who has shown that he is capable of being an offensive threat this season. Nic Claxton would make a lot more sense for the Lakers.

Lakers get their road trip underway with a win

James has been vocal about this team being Doncic’s team and everyone else has to integrate to the Slovenian’s style of play. The Lakers have gotten their long eight-game road trip underway with a win over the Nuggets.

Doncic was instrumental on Tuesday as he recorded his fifth triple double of the season with 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Meanwhile, James was not far away from a triple double and posted 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James led by example against Kings
Luka Doncic and LeBron James led by example against Nuggets (Image via DraftKings/X)

After the win, Doncic was delighted to start off the road trip with a win in his post-match press conference.

I’ve never been a part of a road trip that’s eight games, but it’s definitely very important to get the first one. The way we stayed together the whole game, it was impressive. And I think that builds us up.

Lakers fans will be hoping that this win will set the tone for their long road trip as they take on their cross-town rivals, Los Angeles Clippers next.

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