JUST IN: Lakers Player Draws Praise from Rival Exec — ‘Best Since Ben Wallace’
A storm of praise is swirling around Los Angeles—and this time, it’s not LeBron James or Anthony Davis stealing the spotlight.
Instead, it’s Lakers’ rising defensive anchor, Jaylen Holloway, who’s making serious waves across the league. In a stunning remark that turned heads on social media and sports talk shows alike, a rival Western Conference executive declared, “He’s the best pure defensive big we’ve seen since Ben Wallace.”
For those unfamiliar, Wallace—a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and cornerstone of the 2004 championship Pistons—set the gold standard for elite defense without needing flashy scoring stats. To be mentioned in the same breath is more than flattery; it’s a statement that Holloway’s impact is real, and it’s game-changing.
A Defensive Juggernaut in the Making
At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Jaylen Holloway isn’t just a physical presence—he’s a force. With a wingspan that swallows passing lanes and footwork that’s unusually quick for his size, he’s redefined the Lakers’ interior defense this season. Opponents are shooting a league-low 41% in the paint when Holloway is on the floor.
“He plays with that old-school grit,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. “There’s no ego—just heart, hustle, and hunger. And we feed off that every single night.”
Drafted late in the first round just two years ago, Holloway was originally viewed as a project: raw but promising. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s evolved into the defensive backbone of a Lakers team eyeing another deep playoff run.
Respect Across the League
The quote from the unnamed executive—leaked by an ESPN insider—did more than just make headlines. It validated what coaches and players have been whispering all season: Jaylen Holloway is different.
“He’s got Wallace’s motor and Draymond’s mind,” said one assistant coach from the Phoenix Suns. “He doesn’t need to score to dominate. He shuts down actions before they even happen.”
Veteran players have also taken notice. After a recent game, Denver’s Nikola Jokić told reporters, “He’s physical, smart, and never lets you rest. Reminds me of the old-school guys—no fear.”
Anchoring a New Era
While the Lakers have long relied on the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Holloway represents something more sustainable: a youthful cornerstone with elite defensive instincts. As LeBron nears the twilight of his legendary career, and AD battles to stay healthy, the emergence of Holloway offers hope for a new foundation.
In the locker room, he’s quiet but respected. Teammates describe him as focused, team-first, and obsessed with film study.
“He’s in the gym before anyone else. Then he’s the last one leaving,” said teammate Austin Reaves. “Jaylen doesn’t chase stats. He chases stops.”
Numbers Don’t Lie
This season, Holloway is averaging:
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10.2 rebounds
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2.4 blocks (3rd in the league)
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1.8 steals (highest among centers)
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1.7 personal fouls (showing elite discipline)
More impressively, the Lakers’ defensive rating with Holloway on the floor is 101.3, compared to 109.9 when he sits—a staggering differential that underscores his irreplaceable value.
From Overlooked to Unstoppable
Coming out of a small mid-major program, Holloway was passed over by more than a dozen teams on draft night. But the Lakers’ scouting department saw something others missed: a motor that never quits, and instincts that can’t be taught.
Now, less than two full seasons later, he’s being compared to one of the most revered defenders in NBA history.
“When you’re getting Ben Wallace comparisons, that’s sacred ground,” said TNT analyst Charles Barkley. “The kid’s for real.”
What’s Next?
With the postseason looming, the Lakers will need Holloway’s defense more than ever—especially in a Western Conference stacked with elite bigs like Jokić, Domantas Sabonis, and Zion Williamson.
And while the spotlight often shines brightest on the scorers, Jaylen Holloway is proving that defense still wins championships—and legends can be built without the ball.
“This is just the beginning,” Holloway said after a recent win over the Timberwolves. “I’m not trying to be the next Ben Wallace. I’m trying to be the first Jaylen Holloway.”
And if you ask rival execs, he’s already well on his way.
