After the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2nd, Lakers fans had visions of another championship run. The team responded by winning eight of their ten games after Dončić debuted on February 12, looking like a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
The recent string of weak performances from the Lakers is worrying because they have won only two matches in their past five competitions. Now an ESPN analyst sparked an intense discussion by questioning JJ Redick about his statement about Lakers players feeling tired shortly before playoff kickoff.
Kendrick Perkins Is Unhappy With Redick’s Comment
The recent ESPN NBA Countdown episode featured Perkins challenging Redick by stating that genuine playoff competitors should not use fatigue as a justification at this point in the season. He remarked that true championship teams need to take up challenges precisely when playoff season begins.
“JJ Redick just lied to the American people. No championship contender at this point is tired. They are reaching their peak. Tell the people what’s real,” said Perkins during the segment.
“No championship contender at this point is tired, they are reaching their peak.”@KendrickPerkins responds to Lakers head coach JJ Redick saying his team “looks tired.” pic.twitter.com/bfaQNAzn9S
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 26, 2025
Redick’s controversial comments came after the Lakers’ 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday. That loss marked their third consecutive defeat and arguably their worst one, as it came against a sub-.500 team. Redick, attempting to explain the Lakers’ struggles, stated that the team was fatigued, citing their grueling schedule of playing six games in eight days and then having to take a six-hour flight to Orlando.
“I think a couple of guys, maybe from the schedule and being in and out of the lineup, and a couple of guys being injured, we just look tired. I don’t know what contributes to that. That happens periodically throughout a season where the group gets tired. That’s what it feels like right now,” Redick said during the post-game interview.
While Redick’s argument had some merit, the team quickly made Perkins’ point for him. Two days after their defeat in Orlando the Lakers secured a clear victory against the Indiana Pacers thus proving that exhaustion was not the true reason behind their loss. During the game Dončić scored 34 points while LeBron James added another 13 points to the team’s total.
The road ahead remains tough for the Lakers. They still have a three-game road trip left, facing the Pacers again and then the Chicago Bulls. If fatigue was truly a factor, it will become evident in these upcoming matchups.
However, Redick wasn’t the only one who Perkins targeted during the segment.
Perkins Disappointed With Dončić’s Defensive Abilities
Perkins primarily set his sights on J.J. Redick, but he also didn’t shy away from calling out Dončić. While most of his criticism was aimed at Redick, Perkins pointed to Dončić’s defensive struggles as a key issue for the Lakers.
According to the former Celtics veteran, Dončić has been out of shape, significantly affecting his ability to guard opponents effectively.
“Your team, your best player, your best player now, Luka Dončić is out of shape… Luka Dončić is so horrible defensively. Since his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is number one in the league in blowbys,” said Perkins during the segment.
Perkins’ criticism of Dončić’s defense does have some merit. The Magic defeated the Lakers 118-106 on Monday, allowing Orlando to score 34 points in the third quarter. The Bulls’ defeat was particularly more unsettling because seven players reached double-digit scoring numbers with Coby White leading the way with 36 points
However, the claim that Dončić is still out of shape seems questionable. Dončić underwent a weight reduction since reports in February showed him at 270 lbs bringing him down to his current weight of 230 lbs. The next challenge for Dončić’s defensive improvement will come during the Lakers’ upcoming road trip.