Lakers Struggling: Roster Woes, Fading Stars, and a Race Against Time to Save the Season

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads after a disappointing 12-10 start to the season, compounded by back-to-back blowout losses. Despite initial optimism under new head coach JJ Redick, familiar problems have resurfaced: lackluster transition defense, inconsistent effort, and poor shot selection. While coaching tweaks can help, the real issue lies with the front office. The roster lacks depth, talent, and balance, making it nearly impossible for LeBron James—no longer at the peak of his powers—to elevate this group to championship contention.

The team’s glaring needs for shooting, athleticism, and defense require urgent attention. Waiting until the trade deadline would be a costly mistake, as every game lost digs the Lakers deeper into the Western Conference standings. Immediate roster changes are necessary, but Redick also needs to adjust his rotations to maximize competitiveness. One critical change is reducing Gabe Vincent’s minutes.

Vincent was brought in during the 2023 offseason to provide defensive intensity and stability in the backcourt. However, his offensive struggles have negated any positive impact on defense. Currently shooting an abysmal 23.6% from three-point range, Vincent has become a liability on a roster already short on shooting. His inability to space the floor allows opposing defenses to clog the paint, stifling the Lakers’ offense. Defensively, while he shows effort, the Lakers still post a poor defensive rating of 116.5 when he’s on the floor, highlighting his limited overall impact.

It’s time for Redick to redistribute Vincent’s minutes to younger, more promising players like Cam Reddish, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht. These players offer a blend of athleticism, length, and potential shooting upside, which could provide a much-needed spark for the team. While roster upgrades remain essential, rotation adjustments could be a step toward stabilizing the Lakers and salvaging their season.