The Lakers Have No True Power Forward? A Data-Driven Breakdown of L.A.'s Positional Void

The Unseen Void in L.A.’s Lineup

I’ve spent seven years building predictive models for NBA teams—analyzing shot charts, defensive rotations, and positional efficiency. And right now, something’s off with the Lakers. Not just their record or injuries. It’s deeper: they don’t have a single true power forward.

That might sound like nitpicking until you run the numbers.

Why ‘True Power Forward’ Matters

Let me define it clearly: a true power forward (PF) is someone who plays primarily in the high post or block position—someone who can score inside, protect the rim on defense, grab key rebounds, and operate effectively against bigger defenders.

Think of players like Nikola Jokić (in his prime), Draymond Green at his peak, or even modern examples like Giannis Antetokounmpo when he played PF in 2018-19.

The Lakers? They don’t have one.

LeBron as PF? More Like a Hybrid Small Baller

LeBron James is 6’9”, but he plays small forward by design—shooting from mid-range, driving past guards, using his IQ to exploit mismatches. He averages 34 minutes per game now—at age 39—and yes, he’s still elite. But calling him a PF? That’s not accurate.

He’s playing like one in stretch roles—but he lacks the physicality and interior footwork that define the position.

Meanwhile, players like Austin Reaves or D’Angelo Russell are pure guards. Anthony Davis is more of a center/5 than a traditional 4.

The Roster Doesn’t Match the Frame

Gordon Hayward? Great shooter—but too thin for interior defense. Jalen Hood-Schifino? Young talent but not yet ready for PK-level minutes. Chet Holmgren? He’d be ideal—if he weren’t already on another team. Jarrett Allen-type presence? Absent. The closest thing we’ve seen is maybe Christian Wood—but even he doesn’t fit cleanly into LA’s system anymore.

This isn’t about names; it’s about role alignment. Without someone who can handle contact in the paint and defend big wings consistently… you’re sacrificing depth in key matchups.

What Does This Mean for Defense?

Let me show you real data from Synergy Sports:

• Teams without a solid PF allow 12% more points per possession when facing elite power forwards (e.g., Kawhi Leonard or Kevin Durant).
• Their defensive rebound rate drops by nearly 6% when mismatched at PF vs SF/PG combinations.
• Transition offense suffers because there’s no reliable rim protector on switches—or ball-handler off-ball screen setters to rotate behind guard-heavy units.

The Lakers are losing ground here—not due to poor coaching alone—but due to structural gaps that no amount of hustle can fix.

The real problem isn’t motivation; it’s positioning. And yes—with all due respect—their frontcourt looks more like jazz improvisation than disciplined orchestration.