The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting at 15-5 and holding the second spot in the West, but the loss to a Phoenix Suns team missing Jalen Green and losing Devin Booker early drew some real reactions.
Former NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins jumped in and noted that giving up 125 points in that fashion leaves the Lakers looking more like a middle-tier team than a top contender.
“I think they’re a middle of the pack team. I think they’ve shown that they are in the hunt to be a team to compete this season. But it’s two clear things, and it’s two things.
“Their defense, which is, 17th, and also their bench. And with being a contending team, you have to be top 10 in multiple categories. Being 17, that’s a glaring issue for me. That’s something they’re gonna have to continue to figure out throughout the season.
The Lakers had 22 turnovers in their loss to the Suns tonight 😬
Luka Dončić dropped 38 points, but LA’s bench scored just 32 as they fell at home to Phoenix…
Add in the 125 points they gave up, and it’s hard to argue with Boogie Cousins — the Lakers’ biggest issues are their… pic.twitter.com/JsEKjvdg25
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 2, 2025
Maybe Cousins is right. The Lakers are nowhere near an elite defensive group, and almost every champion leans on defense at some level. If giving up 125 to this Suns team or getting blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder doesn’t make the case, it probably should.
You can see their defensive problem right away by just looking at who they start. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves can score, but no one is confusing them for defensive guys. Rui Hachimura has the frame to be one, but he still hasn’t shown much. LeBron is simply the oldest player in the league now.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor sees the same problem. He thinks the Lakers need a reliable defensive stalwart if they want to compete better, and he believes New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones fits that role as well as anyone available.
“Why not go get somebody like a Herb Jones? Like, make an offer for it. You know, give Gabe Vincent, maybe Dalton Knecht, a future first (round pick). Maybe a little bit more if you have to. One of the swaps possibly to the Pelicans. … Because I think the team is that legit offensively.”
The Lakers should make a run at Herb Jones. https://t.co/0kCLVpu1wW pic.twitter.com/icHnMDMfi7
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) December 2, 2025
