The Lakers' big flaw is just waiting to be exposed at the worst-possible time

The Los Angeles Lakers have been the talk of the NBA for the past month. Their blockbuster trade for former Dallas Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic has created a buzz strong enough to distract some fans and pundits from the new roster's biggest flaw.

Despite boasting both Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers are dangerously thin at center. Their lack of a dominant big man may not seem major presently, but a look at their path through the Western Conference reveals why it could ultimately be their Achilles heel this spring.

The Lakers are 8-2 across their last 10 contests, and this latest run has allowed them to slide into the Western Conference's second seed. LA is in the top half of the association in terms of both offensive and defensive Rating.

Why the Lakers' big flaw may not show up until it's too late

The Lakers' overall talent is undeniable, but their lack of a pure rim protector could become an issue once they have to compete in a best-of-seven series. The club currently is 20th in terms of defensive rebounds per game and is currently relying on Jaxson Hayes to mature and evolve quickly.

The 24-year-old has been good but not great through 38 games. The Lakers' front office nearly traded for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and must have known they needed another big man to raise this season's playoff ceiling.

Even if LA had added Williams, it is not a given that it would have remedied any potential defensive issues against teams like the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Nikola Jokic has been an interior staple for Denver and is arguably the best player in basketball. Meanwhile, the Thunder have two

Williams is an offensive lob threat who would have complemented both James and Doncic. However, his defensive prowess may not have been enough to give the Lakers an advantage over those kinds of teams.

Hayes will have to step up his game if Los Angeles has to face either bunch this spring, especially if Maxi Kleber's absence extends beyond the regular season. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dorian Finney-Smith will surely help LA's perimeter defense, but neither of these players would be game-changers in the paint.

The Lakers could handle most teams in the West. In fact, their talent alone will make a potential series against either the Nuggets or Thunder a tossup. But their lack of inside help will cost them if the opposition is smart enough to exploit an obvious weakness.

Many of the best NBA stories revolve around stars compensating for a team's deficiencies. Only time will tell if Doncic and James will be able to make fans, pundits, and opponents forget about the Lakers' primary flaw.