The alarming trend and harsh reality the Lakers must accept to turn things around

The Los Angeles Lakers are stuck in a vicious cycle. From one game to the next, they're epitomizing the qualities of the make-or-miss league that can elevate teams as quickly as it can sink them, primarily from beyond the arc.

There are an abundance of reasons for optimism early in the 2024-25 season, but an alarming trend facing the Lakers is bringing on a harsh reality about how they can fix this persistent flaw.

Los Angeles has been playing above-.500 basketball throughout the 2024-25 campaign, which paints the picture of a team that's free from some degree of criticism. In saying that, their success has been the epitome of streaky.

Los Angeles has put together win streaks of six and three games, but has also lost at least two consecutive outings on three different occasions.

One of the primary reasons for the Lakers' hot and cold tendencies is their perimeter defense. Anthony Davis does as much as any player possibly can, but he can't be everywhere—and where he isn't has typically been Los Angeles' weakest area.

It'll be an all-hands-on-deck effort to address this persistent issue, but a harsh reality is soon to dawn on the Lakers: The current roster may not be capable of reaching the necessary level of consistency.

Lakers need to trade for help on defense

Los Angeles has an abundance of talented offensive players, including Davis, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Dalton Knecht, Austin Reaves, and D'Angelo Russell. What it lacks, however, is consistent defenders who will get after it on a nightly basis.

It should thus come as no surprise that the Lakers rank No. 27 in the NBA in defensive rating—as well as No. 19 in three-point field goals allowed and No. 22 in opponent three-point field goal percentage.

Some of the players on the roster have shown promising signs of development, including an emerging two-way standout in Knecht. The team has struggled, however, and that isn't exactly a shocking development given the well-earned reputation of the current players.

Los Angeles is better than it was when it ranked No. 28 in three-point field goals allowed per game in 2023-24, but they've dropped 10 spots in defensive rating.

The unfortunate reality facing the Lakers is that a trade may be necessary to fix their defensive issues. Far too many players on the roster are known as inconsistent defensive players to put the season in the hands of optimism surrounding their sudden improvement.

Even those on the roster who are known as quality defensive players aren't the high-level defenders the team needs for matchups against teams with superstar scorers.

Jarred Vanderbilt returning to the lineup could resolve this issue, but he's missed 70 of the Lakers' past 99 games. Los Angeles must continue to aid him in his return from double foot surgery, but it can't necessarily bank on an uncertain debut—let alone the hope that he'll be the same player he was.

It may not be the answer that some are looking for, but if the Lakers want to improve from being one of the absolute worst defensive teams in the NBA, then the personnel may need to change.