The Los Angeles Lakers may have just found their new defensive weapon—a lineup that fans are already calling the “Los Angeles Clampers.” This defensive-oriented five-man unit, featuring Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, and LeBron James, has the potential to be one of the most suffocating defensive lineups in the NBA.
While this group has only played three minutes together so far, the early results are promising. In that short span, they posted an incredible 83.3 defensive rating, showing just how disruptive they can be on the defensive end. This lineup is built to apply full-court pressure, switch seamlessly on defense, and make life miserable for opposing offenses.
By sheer defensive versatility, this lineup is elite. Vanderbilt, Finney-Smith, and LeBron can guard multiple positions, allowing the Lakers to switch on nearly every action without creating mismatches.
Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin are both relentless on-ball defenders who can hound opposing guards and force turnovers. The combination of size, speed, and defensive IQ makes this group a nightmare for opponents trying to create offense.
Vanderbilt has always been one of the best defenders on the Lakers, and with Finney-Smith’s ability to lock down wings and forwards, this duo gives the Lakers two elite defensive anchors.
Vincent and Goodwin provide the backcourt defensive presence, harassing ball handlers and making it difficult for teams to initiate their sets. And then there’s LeBron—a defensive quarterback who can still lock down players when needed while providing elite help defense.
While this group is designed to be a defensive force, they also possess enough shooting ability to prevent opposing teams from simply collapsing into the paint. Jarred Vanderbilt has made a huge leap, shooting 38.5% from three, proving he can no longer be ignored on the perimeter.
Dorian Finney-Smith is shooting an impressive 37.1% from beyond the arc, making him a reliable floor spacer. LeBron James continues to be an elite shooter at 39.5%, keeping defenses honest.
Jordan Goodwin has also shot above 30% from deep, adding another respectable shooter. Gabe Vincent, despite a rough start to the season, has improved lately and is now at 32.3%, making him another capable perimeter option.
The combination of defensive tenacity and competent three-point shooting makes this unit dangerous on both ends of the floor. Opposing teams cannot afford to simply sag off and pack the paint, as every player in this lineup has shown they can make an open shot when necessary.
While they may not be an offensive juggernaut, their ability to generate stops and turn defense into transition offense will be a huge asset.
The Lakers have been the best defensive team in the NBA since January 15th, posting the No. 1 defensive rating in the league during that stretch. A key reason for their dominance has been their ability to field strong defensive lineups that can clamp down on opposing offenses.
With this new unit, they have a group that can help maintain that elite defensive standard heading into the playoffs. Whether it’s stopping high-powered offenses or closing out crucial games, the “Los Angeles Clampers” could be the perfect defensive weapon for head coach JJ Redick to deploy in key moments.
Redick has already started incorporating this lineup in key moments, particularly when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves go to the bench. In these situations, LeBron assumes primary ball-handling duties, but Vincent and Goodwin are also capable of initiating the offense, ensuring a steady flow in the half-court.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt and Finney-Smith provide defensive stability in the frontcourt, allowing the Lakers to effectively guard both perimeter scorers and interior threats.
With the Western Conference playoff race heating up as the Lakers continue to climb with a 37-21 record, this defensive unit could become one of Redick’s go-to lineups for crucial stretches, particularly when the Lakers need stops against elite offenses.
The early numbers suggest they have the potential to be one of the most disruptive defensive groups in the league.
If they continue to gel and build chemistry, the “Los Angeles Clampers” might just become the Lakers’ secret weapon heading into the postseason, ensuring they maintain their No. 1-ranked defense as they chase another championship.
