LeBron James Asked to Play Defense at 41 Has Gilbert Arenas Saying Lakers Are Cooked

Lakers head coach JJ Redick asked LeBron James and Luka Doncic specifically to step up their effort on defense.

LeBron James Asked to Play Defense at 41 Has Gilbert Arenas Saying Lakers Are Cooked

Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

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After losing three of their first five games in December, LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers have bounced back with two consecutive wins.

The first was against the Phoenix Suns, where the ageless wonder had a back-and-forth against forever foe Dillon Brooks. But ultimately, his tactic to get the Suns forward ejected worked, as LeBron James calmly converted free throws to help them win.

Then came their game against the Utah Jazz, and the Lakers were slightly behind their opponents for much of the game. A fourth-quarter surge from the men in purple and gold was needed to seal the deal.

The win may have glossed over the final score of 143-135, which may not be what head coach JJ Redick expected after he asked LeBron James and Luka Doncic to take more defensive responsibilities. But that request is a sign of worry for Gilbert Arenas.

It’s over. Lakers’ championship 2027. This man had a meeting with a 41-year-old to say step it up on defense. Not the guy who needs to play defense… You’re saying step it up, my 41-year-old… We lost, we done.

Gilbert Arenas said on Gil’s Arena

The former All-Star believes that if Redick has to ask the oldest player in the league to defend, then his beloved Lakers do not stand a chance this season.

Arenas felt that the Lakers’ head coach was out of his depth, as he was not demanding more defense from his younger players, and instead focusing his demands on the all-time leading scorer.

Luka Doncic admitted he needs to do more

That request from JJ Redick was not just directed at LeBron James, but also towards Luka Doncic. It may be a tactic to get the top superstars to set an example for the others to follow.

I don’t think so. I think I have to play better. I feel like I can play better. I feel I can do way more stuff… First start of the season, I was playing great defense, trying to get back to that.

Luka Doncic told Dave McMenamin

The Slovenian also added that he wants to improve on his turnovers, rebounds, and efficiency. But his accepting that his defense has been lacking was what Redick might have wanted in the first place.

In their game against the Utah Jazz, the 26-year-old responded with 5 steals, along with his 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. Those numbers, though, are not indicative of how his team played as a whole.

Other than Doncic, the defense was not where JJ Redick wants it. He expects LeBron James and the team to do what they last season when they finally cracked the Denver Nuggets puzzle. Therefore, the team needs to respond collectively.

LeBron James might have to revert to his free safety role on defense

When the Los Angeles Lakers finally defeated their ‘Kryptonite’ Denver Nuggets, it was due to a collective defensive effort. In those games, and then for much of the 2024-25 regular season, LeBron James was a free safety.

LeBron James defending against the Nuggets
LeBron James defending against the Nuggets (Image via Lakers Daily/X)

That role saw the 4-time league MVP move around without focusing on one particular player. That help side defense saw the team surge to end up 3rd in the standings.

JJ Redick probably wants that effort to return, as without it, they are already in the same place as they were a year ago. If that defense returns, maybe the Los Angeles Lakers can go up at least a spot and become the championship-contender they believe they can be.

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