Gobert looked like Shaq’: How the Lakers were exposed — and what comes next for LeBron and Luka
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes, banking on a roster built around the ageless LeBron James and the defensive juggernaut Anthony Davis. Yet, in a revealing playoff series that pitted them against the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers were laid bare. Central to this exposure was Rudy Gobert’s dominant defensive presence—one so impactful that commentators remarked, “Gobert looked like Shaq” against the Lakers’ current lineup. This comparison, loaded with irony and basketball history, highlights the Lakers’ vulnerabilities on both ends of the floor and sets the stage for what lies ahead for LeBron James and Luka Doncic, two of the league’s brightest stars.
The Shaq Comparison: What Does It Mean?
Rudy Gobert, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is a modern defensive powerhouse. Standing 7-foot-1 with an immense wingspan and elite rim protection instincts, Gobert is often considered the best defensive center in the league. The comment that “Gobert looked like Shaq” against the Lakers is a nuanced critique loaded with basketball context.
Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers’ Hall of Fame center of the early 2000s, was a dominant offensive force—a near-unstoppable physical specimen who overwhelmed defenders with sheer strength, size, and power. When analysts say Gobert looked like Shaq in this series, they highlight how Gobert’s physical dominance and impact in the paint made the Lakers’ defense crumble, much like Shaq used to overpower opposing defenses—but in a very different way.
In essence, Gobert’s defense was so stifling and game-changing that he controlled the paint as Shaq once did offensively for the Lakers, exposing the current Lakers’ lack of interior toughness and defensive cohesion.
How the Lakers Were Exposed: Defensive and Offensive Shortcomings
The Lakers’ roster construction, once ideal for a team led by LeBron and Davis, has shown cracks, particularly when faced with versatile teams like Dallas.
1. Defensive Vulnerabilities:
- Lack of Rim Protection: With Anthony Davis battling injuries and not at his peak defensive form, the Lakers lacked a consistent rim protector. Gobert’s presence in the paint clogged driving lanes and altered shots at an elite level, something the Lakers’ big men could not replicate.
- Perimeter Defense Struggles: The Lakers struggled to contain Luka Doncic, whose combination of size, shooting, and passing overwhelmed their perimeter defenders. Defensive switches were often exploited, exposing the Lakers’ weaknesses in pick-and-roll situations.
- Communication and Rotations: Defensive miscommunications led to open shooters and easy baskets for Dallas. The Lakers’ defensive rotations lacked the fluidity and urgency seen in more cohesive units.
2. Offensive Inconsistency:
- LeBron’s Supporting Cast: While LeBron James continues to defy age, the Lakers’ supporting cast struggled to provide consistent scoring. Without reliable shooters spacing the floor or secondary playmakers to relieve pressure, defenses keyed in on LeBron, forcing difficult shots.
- Post Play Limitations: Unlike Shaq’s era, where his dominance inside drew defenders and opened the floor, the current Lakers’ frontcourt was unable to capitalize on interior mismatches. Gobert’s rim protection neutralized any attempts to dominate inside.
- Pace and Transition: The Lakers’ slower pace limited their ability to generate easy fast-break points. Dallas, led by Luka’s ability to push the ball, exploited this advantage.
Luka Doncic: The Perfect Storm Against the Lakers
Luka Doncic’s unique skill set was pivotal in the Mavericks’ dismantling of the Lakers’ defense. Standing 6-foot-7 with the vision and playmaking ability of a point guard, Luka tormented the Lakers on multiple fronts:
- Versatility: Luka’s ability to score from deep, drive to the basket, and create plays for teammates kept the Lakers guessing.
- Physicality: His strength and footwork allowed him to absorb contact and finish through defenders, making him nearly impossible to contain.
- Basketball IQ: Luka’s reading of the game and decision-making exploited mismatches and defensive lapses.
The Lakers’ defensive struggles magnified when forced to switch onto Luka or help off shooters to contain his drives. The Mavericks’ offense flowed seamlessly around Luka’s leadership, with Gobert anchoring the defense.
What Comes Next for LeBron and Luka?
The contrast between LeBron James and Luka Doncic—two generational talents at different stages of their careers—frames the future trajectories of the Lakers and Mavericks.
LeBron James:
- Legacy vs. Longevity: At 40 years old, LeBron is navigating the final chapters of his storied career. His physical gifts have diminished, but his basketball IQ and leadership remain elite. The Lakers must balance leveraging LeBron’s experience with protecting him from overuse and injury.
- Roster Reconstruction: To remain competitive, the Lakers need to surround LeBron with more versatile defenders and shooters. The team must address interior defense and perimeter consistency to prevent being overwhelmed by players like Gobert and Luka.
- Mentorship Role: LeBron’s role as a mentor will grow, especially if the Lakers focus on developing young talent and transitioning towards a post-LeBron era.
Luka Doncic:
- Prime Years Ahead: Luka is entering his prime, with several years of peak performance likely ahead. His challenge is to surround himself with complementary talent that can elevate the Mavericks to consistent contention.
- Leadership Development: As the franchise cornerstone, Luka must continue evolving as a leader, both on and off the court, to guide Dallas deeper into the playoffs.
- Overcoming Playoff Hurdles: Despite his regular-season brilliance, Luka and the Mavericks have yet to reach the NBA Finals. Building a championship-caliber roster around him remains a priority.
Strategic Takeaways for the Lakers
The Lakers’ struggles against the Mavericks underline broader lessons for the franchise:
- Prioritize Defensive Versatility: Modern NBA success hinges on switchable defenders who can guard multiple positions. Adding wing defenders and rim protectors capable of slowing down players like Luka and Gobert is vital.
- Enhance Floor Spacing: Reliable shooters who can stretch defenses will open driving lanes for LeBron and Davis, making the offense less predictable.
- Invest in Youth and Depth: Developing young players and acquiring depth via the draft or trades will help sustain competitiveness as the core ages.
- Adapt Coaching Strategies: Defensive schemes that emphasize communication, quick rotations, and ball pressure will help mitigate mismatches.
Looking Ahead: The NBA Landscape Post-Series
The Lakers-Mavericks series showcased the evolving nature of the NBA—where big men like Gobert redefine defensive impact and versatile stars like Luka dominate with skill and vision. The traditional center role, once epitomized by Shaq’s offensive dominance, now often prioritizes rim protection and defensive impact.
For the Lakers, this means rethinking roster construction to align with the modern game while maximizing the remaining years of LeBron and Davis. For Luka and Dallas, the challenge lies in building around their star to capture elusive postseason success.
The Lakers’ exposure in the 2024-25 playoffs, with Rudy Gobert “looking like Shaq” on defense, is a stark reminder that even storied franchises must continuously evolve. The juxtaposition of LeBron James’ twilight with Luka Doncic’s ascent frames a fascinating NBA narrative—one of legacy, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
As the offseason unfolds, the Lakers face crucial decisions that will define their competitiveness and LeBron’s legacy. Meanwhile, Luka’s journey toward championship glory continues, fueled by a potent mix of talent, leadership, and ambition.
Basketball fans around the world will be watching closely to see how these two icons and their teams respond to the challenges laid bare this season—and what the future holds for the league’s changing guard.
