The Los Angeles Lakers’ slide in the standings is making noise, and not just because of what’s happening on the floor. After a strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season, the purple and gold have slowed noticeably, dropping four of their last five games, including a heavy 135-117 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

A performance that reignited the media debate, culminating in a blistering attack from Kendrick Perkins.

Appearing on NBA Today, the former Celtics center pulled no punches, questioning not only the Lakers’ level of play but the very identity of the group.

Do you really have the nerve to call the Lakers a team? This is not a team, it’s a collection of individuals. I’d bet everything I have that they don’t even have a group chat.

Kendrick Perkins

No group off the court

According to Perkins, the Lakers’ issues don’t stem solely from broken defensive schemes or flawed rotations, but from a lack of chemistry away from the court. The analyst even joked about seemingly minor details that often reveal internal cohesion.

I don’t think there are team dinners on the road. Everyone shows up, does their job, and then goes their own way.

Kendrick Perkins

A harsh accusation, directly linking the defensive confusion seen on the floor to an alleged absence of real human connection in the locker room.

Defense in crisis: chemistry or roster problem?

The situation, however, deserves a cooler, more balanced look. It’s true the Lakers defense has struggled mightily: a defensive rating of 117.6, ranking them 26th in the NBA, is hard to defend. At the same time, placing all the blame on chemistry risks oversimplifying the issue.

Unlike teams such as the New York Knicks, who can rely on elite defenders like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, the Lakers lack the ideal personnel to build a high-level defense. Their best specialists are Marcus Smart, no longer in his prime, and Jarred Vanderbilt, limited to roughly 20 minutes per game.

One could argue that effort should compensate for some of those shortcomings, and to an extent that’s true. But the reality is this roster was not built to dominate physically, especially against young, athletic opponents.

Marcus Smart’s voice and the absence of Doncic

Postgame, Marcus Smart tried to jolt the locker room, urging his teammates to stop complaining and get back in transition defense. A clear message, delivered with a pointed reminder.

We’ve got to play every possession like it’s our last.

Marcus Smart

Maybe Perkins went too far with his tone, maybe he didn’t. What’s certain is that the Lakers don’t look like a team that suffers together when it matters. And in the NBA, if you don’t defend and you don’t run, talent alone isn’t enough: sooner or later, someone will make you pay.