LeBron James is Slowing Down on Defense - and Luka Doncic’s Effort is Quietly Balancing the Scales for the Lakers
There was a moment in the Lakers' matchup against the Suns that made time feel very real - and not in a good way if you're a LeBron James believer. In the second half, James found himself switched onto Suns two-way guard Jamaree Bouyea.
The result? Bouyea blew past him for an uncontested layup.
Now, on paper, that’s just one defensive possession in an 82-game season. But in context - LeBron James, one of the most physically dominant defenders of his generation, getting beat cleanly by a player on a two-way contract - it hits differently.
It's not just about the bucket. It’s about what that bucket represents.
LeBron’s Defensive Decline Is Becoming Harder to Ignore
That play wasn’t an outlier. Through the early part of the season, LeBron has consistently looked a step slow on the defensive end. He’s not rotating with the same urgency, not sticking with quicker guards, and the Lakers are clearly adjusting his assignments to preserve his energy - often hiding him on less threatening offensive players.
And let’s be clear: that’s not a knock. It’s a reality of being 40 years old, playing in your 21st NBA season, and still carrying a massive offensive load.
LeBron’s basketball IQ is still off the charts, and his ability to read plays before they happen is elite. But when it comes to keeping up with younger, quicker guards on the perimeter?
That’s becoming a tougher ask.
It’s also worth noting that he’s been managing back and foot issues this season. There’s a very real chance he’s pacing himself - and if that’s the case, you’d much rather see him saving his legs in December than burning out before the playoffs.
We’ve seen this movie before. Every year since LeBron crossed into his mid-30s, there’s been a stretch where people wonder if he’s finally slowing down.
And every year, he usually responds with a stretch of brilliance that silences the chatter.
But this season feels a little different. Not just because of LeBron’s aging legs, but because of what’s happening around him - namely, Luka Doncic.
Luka’s Defense: Quietly Effective, and More Than the Lakers Need
Luka Doncic has never been known for his defense. For most of his career, teams have hunted him in mismatches, forcing him to defend in space and exposing his foot speed.
But this season, something’s shifted. He’s not locking guys up, but he’s competing.
He’s holding his own. And for the Lakers, that’s more than enough.
The Lakers aren’t asking Luka to take on All-Star wings or bang with bigs in the paint. They just need him to be solid - stay in front of his man, rotate when needed, and not be a liability.
And he’s doing that. He’s not being targeted the way he once was, and it doesn’t feel like the Lakers are playing 4-on-5 defensively when he’s on the floor.
That’s a big deal. Because when you combine that with what Luka brings offensively - the scoring, the playmaking, the control of tempo - it’s a net win every night. The fact that he’s giving them something on defense makes his overall impact even more valuable.
A Role Reversal, and a Question for the Lakers
So now we’re looking at a bit of a role reversal. Luka Doncic is playing passable defense, while LeBron James is struggling to stay in front of players he used to erase. Is that a good thing or a bad thing for the Lakers?
The answer is: both.
On one hand, it's encouraging that Luka is stepping up on that end. It shows growth, maturity, and a willingness to buy into the team’s defensive scheme.
On the other hand, it’s concerning that LeBron is no longer the defensive anchor he once was. That puts more pressure on the supporting cast - and on the coaching staff - to find ways to protect him without compromising the team’s overall defensive integrity.
The Lakers will need to manage this dynamic carefully. LeBron doesn’t need to be a lockdown defender anymore, but he can’t be a target either - especially in the playoffs, when teams will hunt mismatches relentlessly. If his health improves and he can ramp up his effort when it matters most, this stretch of defensive slippage might just be another false alarm.
But if it’s a sign of permanent decline? That’s a different conversation.
For now, the Lakers will take the trade-off. Luka giving effort on defense, LeBron still producing offensively, and the team finding ways to win in the margins.
But the clock is ticking. And every possession - like that Bouyea layup - is a reminder that even the greats can’t outrun time forever.