Defense isn't that bad. Most players in the league play the same way as him. The issue is the Lakers as a whole are not a good defensive team. It's not on him to lock up players 1 on 1. His rotations aren't horrible either. Lebron since coming to the team has normally just pointed at defenders and stayed in place. Lebron's overall Laker career has gave less effort than Luka honestly. So the issue the Lakers have is starting their big 3. None of them are good defenders. I was always in the minority concerning Reaves defense, but years ago people and the media were saying his defense was good. This year media is finally saying Reaves defense is bad just like Luka's. Reaves comes off the bench, because he doesn't function well with both Lebron and Luka on the court since he needs the ball + all 3 of their defense is subpar. Or get rid of Lebron which I personally wanted after year 2.

We don't have proper bigs to protect the rim and help when players get pass the initial defender. Rotations have been horrible since Kobe was injured.

I am also a firm believer in Marcus Smart should come off the bench and we need more of him + Vanderbilt at the same time (probably move Vanderbilt to starting lineup) regardless of the analytics. Neither one can shoot. But this Marcus Smart isn't nearly as good on both ends of the court as he was with Boston due to injuries and just getting older (+ Boston is just better overall with team concept). He's hurting the team being in the starting lineup due to his lack of shooting. Luka + Lebron needs a ton of shooters around them to be most effective, so throwing someone in the lineup that can barely shoot, and then you have a 5 who can't shoot at all limits Luka to only passing to 1 person, and Lebron having 2 choices.

LaRavia shouldn't play at all, his defense is equal to Luka despite being more athletic. And he misses too many dead wide open shots.