What’s the Problem with the Lakers?

 The Los Angeles Lakers currently have a 12-9 record, placing them eighth in the Western Conference. It’s been a mediocre start to the season, to say the least, as the team has already shown signs of inconsistency, including a six-game winning streak and a three-game losing streak. They don’t look like the contender they hoped to be but also don’t appear destined for the lottery—not that they own their first-round pick anyway. So, what is the issue with this team? And how can they fix it?

The Lakers had a quiet offseason, signing rookie head coach JJ Redick and drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. That’s the issue right there. The front office seems to lack urgency in improving this team. While Knecht and Redick have been great so far, it’s not enough. The team is poorly structured, especially with its current injuries.

The Starting Lineup

Redick opted to begin the season with the successful starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. Offensively, this group excels, but aside from Davis and James at times, their defense is mediocre at best. The solution? Insert Jarred Vanderbilt for Hachimura, a move that worked well two seasons ago. Vanderbilt is an elite wing defender who can guard multiple positions and cover up others’ defensive mistakes. However, Vanderbilt hasn’t played since Feb. 1. More on that later.

Another glaring issue in the starting lineup is the backcourt. While Reaves and Russell have had offensive success together, they often defer to one another, particularly when James is on the floor. Defensively, the duo struggles. Reaves is average, and Russell is flat-out bad. Redick has inserted Cam Reddish, a great defender, in place of Russell, which has helped the bench. However, the team can only stagger two of its top four players so much. The answer is simple: One of them must go—specifically Russell.

The decision isn’t difficult. Reaves is the better defender and a more consistent offensive player. Russell isn’t bad, but he’s often forced into a spot-up shooting role instead of playing to his strength of running an offense. This change would allow Rookie of the Year candidate Dalton Knecht to become a full-time starter.

Trade Options for Russell

So, who should the Lakers target in a trade involving Russell? The focus should be on defense, whether it’s a wing or a backup for Davis at center. Russell and Gabe Vincent—who has provided virtually nothing so far—could be packaged for players like Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets, Robert Williams from the Trail Blazers, or even Dennis Schröder to bolster the backup point guard position. The options are there, but the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, seems content with mediocrity given the lack of moves over the last year.

Health Remains Key

Even if Pelinka makes a move, the season hinges on one factor: health. Rotational players Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood have yet to play this season, and the Lakers desperately need help at the wing and big-man positions.

With Anthony Davis in his prime and LeBron James turning 40 this month—showing signs of regression like never before—it’s critical the front office does everything possible to maximize what’s left of this championship window.