Lakers can't keep delaying the trade that will fix most destructive flaw

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing as much as they can with the group that's been assembled. First-year head coach JJ Redick has modernized the offense, transitioned to a new franchise player, and altered the rotation to elevate what was once the least productive second unit in the NBA.

Unfortunately, the limitations of the current squad are shining through against a specific type of opponent—almost every time they're encountered.

Los Angeles has created a reputation as one of the best interior teams in the NBA, due in no small part to Anthony Davis' presence as an MVP candidate. Unfortunately, the Lakers' recent 127-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets revealed a harsh reality—one that Austin Reaves perfectly summarized.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Reaves kept it as simple as can be when discussing what went wrong against Denver.

"'Tonight, they beat the s— out of us,' said Austin Reaves, who led the team with 19 points and six assists."

We'd all like to summarize the events of the Lakers-Nuggets rivalry in different words, but the harsh reality is that Reaves covered the bases painfully well in that one sentence.

Lakers continue to get bullied down low—and only a trade can change it

The Lakers have now lost 13 of the past 14 games they've played against the Nuggets. It's a disheartening truth that paints the picture of a team having Los Angeles' number—and it's difficult to argue to the contrary.

The unfortunate reality of what transpires when the Lakers play the Nuggets, however, is that it's the evolution of a consistent flaw.

Jokic is arguably the best player in the NBA, making him the perfect opponent to pick existing flaws apart. He was in dominant form during the Nuggets' 127-102 win over the Lakers on Nov. 23, posting 34 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block—using his strength to create space and score whenever necessary.

No one has an answer for Jokic, but the Lakers have an existing issue that Jokic simply places the spotlight on: An inability to contain big men with strength on their side.

The Lakers currently rank No. 21 in offensive rebounds allowed per 100 possessions, as well as No. 28 in points allowed in the paint. Beyond the numbers, they have a consistent issue with players who know how to utilize their size in a physical manner down low.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Lakers have allowed stronger interior players to impose their will—ranging from MVPs like Jokic to up-and-comers like Jalen Duren.

Duren, listed at 250 pounds, pulled down eight offensive rebounds during the Pistons' 115-103 win over the Lakers on Nov. 4. Goga Bitadze, also listed at 250 pounds, had four offensive boards of his own during a 119-118 Orlando Magic win over the Lakers on Nov. 21—while Zach Edey, 305 pounds, had four in just 15 minutes during the Memphis Grizzlies' 131-114 win over the Lakers on Nov. 6.

With a list that never seems to end and a flaw that can only be fixed by the addition of a new player, one can't help but wonder: When will the Lakers throw in the towel and admit defeat so that victory can be sustainable again?