The Los Angeles Lakers had to be disappointed with how the 2024-25 season ended. The Lakers achieved their highest seed finish since their championship season, thanks to a rally that began with Luka Dončić’s arrival in LA.
However, a brutal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves saw them eliminated in five games. With only a second-round pick available in the 2025 NBA Draft, close to where they drafted Bronny James last year, the Lakers’ chances of missing out are slim.
Los Angeles Lakers Find Luka Dončić Complement
During the playoffs, the Lakers’ defense became a major question mark, particularly given their size down low. Jaxson Hayes was the only playable center on the roster, and even he played less than 10 minutes per game in their first-round series.
However, finding more perimeter defense is also necessary, as Dorian Finney-Smith is their only consistent point-of-attack defender. As a result, in his first post-lottery mock draft, Kevin O’Connor believes the Lakers should target RJ Luis from St. John’s.
“As the Lakers build out their roster around Luka Dončić, they’re going to need rugged wings like Luis, who can set a tone on defense with his versatility and intensity.” At 55, however, Los Angeles must take a swing and hope to land their choice.
“At this point in the draft, each player has flaws. Luis was benched in St. John’s final game due to his shaky shooting and poor offensive decision-making. If he can address those concerns, his downhill attacking style may become an asset.”
That style saw the three-year collegiate veteran average 18.2 points per game for the Red Storm. However, his shooting (43.9% from the field and 33.6% from distance) was inconsistent at best. A career free-throw percentage of less than 76 does not indicate that Luis can significantly improve his shooting.
However, as a defensive focal point who can contribute as a slasher with safe hands and ball-handling abilities, he could fit into the PJ Washington/Derrick Jones Jr role that the Dallas Mavericks used with the Slovenian superstar to reach the NBA Finals.
After adding Dončić, the Lakers must surround him with a strong supporting cast. The path to the 2024 Finals already provides the ideal blueprint for GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick to follow. Now it’s just a matter of putting everything together.
