There’s no such thing as too much defense in the NBA and that is especially true for the Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic as the franchise cornerstones, the Lakers can use any defensive role player they can get.
Going out and getting a defensive stopper with the limited resources of the new second-apron league is easier said than done. The Lakers have to jump at any opportunity they get to bring in a plus defender for an affordable price.
One opportunity just fell in the Lakers’ lap. After failing to find a trade partner, the Charlotte Hornets waived forward Josh Okogie. Okogie’s contract was due to be guaranteed today and the move was widely expected if Charlotte couldn’t find a trade partner.
Josh Okogie: A Defensive Dynamo with Untapped Potential
Josh Okogie is no stranger to the NBA’s defensive spotlight. Widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league, the former first-round pick brings tenacity and versatility to the court. However, his offensive game has been a sticking point, limiting his market value. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 29.9% and an overall field goal percentage of 40.6%, Okogie’s offensive struggles are evident. These shortcomings have likely contributed to his availability, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Despite his offensive limitations, Okogie has shown signs of growth. His three-point shooting has steadily improved over his career, culminating in a respectable 34.8% from beyond the arc last season. Notably, in his 25 games before being traded to Charlotte, he shot an impressive 38.1% from three. While he may never be a primary scoring option, these numbers suggest he’s far from a liability on offense. For the Lakers, any offensive contribution from Okogie would be a bonus, as his primary role would be as a defensive stopper at the wing position.
A Perfect Fit for the Lakers’ Needs
The Lakers’ roster, built around the offensive brilliance of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, thrives when surrounded by players who can handle the dirty work. Okogie fits this mold perfectly. At his best, he’s a high-energy wing defender capable of guarding multiple positions, allowing the Lakers to keep their star-heavy lineup fresh during the grueling regular season. His role would likely be limited to 10-12 minutes per game, making him an ideal rotational piece rather than a centerpiece.
Okogie’s addition wouldn’t single-handedly propel the Lakers to a championship, nor would it guarantee a deep playoff run. However, in the NBA, where margins are razor-thin, his presence could provide critical depth and flexibility. With Okogie in the fold, the Lakers gain a player who can spell key contributors like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, making potential trades involving those players less costly. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and contribute situational scoring could also give head coach JJ Redick another tool in his rotation, especially in matchups requiring defensive intensity.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
What makes Okogie such an attractive target is the low-risk nature of the signing. Compared to other depth options like Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin, Okogie offers a higher ceiling, particularly on the defensive end. His ability to thrive alongside playmakers like LeBron and Doncic could unlock new dimensions in his game, potentially allowing him to shine as a spot-up shooter or secondary scorer in limited minutes. At worst, he provides elite perimeter defense and lineup versatility, both of which are invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
The Hornets’ decision to waive Okogie may have been a necessity for their roster management, but for the Lakers, it’s a gift from one of the NBA’s weakest teams. In a league where finding quality role players on a budget is a constant challenge, Okogie represents a rare opportunity to add a proven defender with room to grow. If the Lakers capitalize on this chance, they could secure a blockbuster contract—not in terms of dollars, but in terms of impact.
For a team like the Lakers, who are always one piece away from unlocking their full potential, Josh Okogie could be the spark that keeps their championship dreams alive. Signing him is a no-brainer, and the opportunity to do so is a stroke of luck they can’t afford to pass up.