Marc Spears and Kendrick Perkins Break Down the Lakers' Biggest Problem

Although the Lakers offense is performing at a high level this season, the team is struggling to make inroads in several key areas. Kendrick Perkins and Marc Spears appeared on ESPN's On NBA Today to discuss the Lakers' flawed defense and weak performance off the bench. Spears began the conversation by bemoaning Los Angeles's lack of depth: "I think the Lakers have a lack of strength in numbers.

I think they have a problem if AD is out, if LeBron is out. I don't think this lasts long. You're talking about a team that's got three players that are not playing.



Christian Wood's not playing. Vanderbilt's not playing. Bronny James doesn't play much.

You've got three two-way guys that are not playing. There are a lot of roster spots with the Lakers that aren't being used—to the detriment of the Lakers—and I think that that's why their bench has been so bad." Currently, the Lakers are allowing 118.

4 points per game , ranking 28th in opponent shooting percentage ( 49.1% ). Perkins emphasized some key flaws with the Laker's bench, as well: "Vincent, Christie have got to show up.

Give this bench some push. If AD is out, the Lakers could be in real big trouble." Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images The Lakers are currently ranked dead last in the NBA for bench production, averaging a measly 18.

9 points. Perkins explained that coach Redick will need to make some big adjustments if he wants to slowdown the Grizzlies: "Im glad you brought up JJ Redick because he has done a fantastic job as a first year head coach on the offensive end. Now, JJ Redick is finding out that there's two ends of the basketball that he needs to be coaching, because the Lakers have the sixth worst defensive efficiency, they give up the forth most points in the paint, and they have a problem on the perimeter with sliding those puppies.

" If the Lakers are going to stand a chance at winning a championship this year, they will have to address these issues sooner rather than later. Related: Lakers Are Near the Bottom of the League in Several Important Stats.