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Ranking the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest needs at the NBA All-Star break

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel talks with the team during a time out against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel talks with the team during a time out against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers need a wing who can actually contribute offensively

I feel like this has not been talked about enough when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers. There is an obvious need that every fan has been talking about that ranks number one on this list. But as the second half winded down, another need reared its ugly head and it has to be fixed by Pelinka.

The Los Angeles Lakers do not have wings who can consistently contribute offensively. Markieff Morris is part of that problem, but his role on the team is more of a hybrid role, he is not a dedicated wing.

Outside of Kyle Kuzma, who admittedly has taken a big step up this season, the Lakers do not really have any wing players who can contribute offensively consistently. Sure, guys will have hot nights, but that is not enough in the NBA Playoffs.

Wesley Matthews has been bad this season. Remember how I said Morris had the second-worst BPM on the team? Matthews has the worst. His defense has actually been okay, not great, but definitely serviceable, it is his offense that is awful.

Matthews is making 33.7% of his threes, 35.6% of his total field-goal attempts and has an eFG% of 48.7%, putting him in the 21st percentile in the league.

Matthews has been terrible but there are not any great offensive wings beside him. Alex Caruso is elite defensively but is not an offensive threat and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has come down to earth and has been extremely inconsistent. His numbers are carried by great nights, but the bad nights are more prominent.

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