2. Bench Production
In the first matchup between the Lakers and the Bucks, the Lakers’ bench scored just four points. Yes, you read that correctly. Four points.
This type of bench production will not get it done. Granted the Lakers were still missing Kyle Kuzma in this game; however, the opposition’s bench is able to focus more on offense when they do not need to work too hard on defense. The lack of bench scoring is related to the poor perimeter shooting and ball movement.
With a struggling Rajon Rondo playing point guard for the bench unit, the rest of the guys are unable to get into spots in which they can succeed. The roster is built of players that can shoot the ball, however, they must be spoon-fed their shots. Outside of Kyle Kuzma, nobody else on the bench is truly capable of creating their own shot, something that was very apparent in this loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is possible that Rob Pelinka will search the buyout or trade market in hopes of finding players who could help improve the bench. Unfortunately, with limited assets to give, their options are more than likely slim.
If someone like Andre Iguodala were to become available on the buyout market one would expect the Lakers to jump on the opportunity.