The Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets wasn’t just another game-it was a gut-check moment for a team that came into the season with sky-high expectations. With a star-studded core of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers were supposed to be a force in the West. But what we saw on the court told a different story: one of disjointed chemistry, visible frustration, and a team still searching for its identity.
That loss didn’t just sting-it sparked some serious conversations about where this team is headed. And on ESPN’s First Take, former NBA big man and longtime LeBron teammate Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back. Perkins, who’s known LeBron since their AAU days and played alongside him in the league, zeroed in on something that doesn’t show up in the box score: body language.
“Last night, his body language was awful,” Perkins said. “He was not engaged; he was pouting; he was moping. He was walking up and down the damn floor; he was complaining.”
That’s not the LeBron we’re used to seeing-especially not in a marquee matchup on a national stage. Perkins went a step further, suggesting that the Lakers might need to consider a future without LeBron in purple and gold.
“LeBron and the Lakers-their relationship has run its course,” Perkins said. “They need to figure out a solution. And the solution is not him being in a Lakers uniform.”
It’s a bold statement, but it speaks to a growing concern: that this version of the Lakers, as currently constructed, might not have enough to seriously contend. And if anyone knows what a championship-caliber roster looks like, it’s LeBron.
He’s been to the Finals more than a dozen times. He knows what it takes.
And right now, it’s clear this team isn’t there.
LeBron’s numbers against Houston-18 points, two rebounds, five assists in 32 minutes-aren’t terrible on their own. But the -33 plus/minus tells a deeper story.
The Lakers were outscored by 33 points while he was on the floor. That’s not just a stat-it’s a red flag, especially for a player who’s long been the engine of every team he’s played on.
Meanwhile, the noise around this team isn’t just coming from inside the locker room. On Gil Arenas’ podcast, Skip Bayless weighed in with some sharp criticism of both Luka and LeBron. Bayless called Luka “overrated” and argued that LeBron has been reduced to a third option in L.A.
“LeBron’s the third wheel now,” Bayless said. “I’m no big LeBron fan, but I feel sorry for him in this situation because it just feels wrong, wrong, wrong.”
That’s a sentiment that’s starting to gain traction. LeBron is now in his 23rd NBA season, and while the Lakers have positioned Luka as the heir apparent, it’s clear that the transition hasn’t been seamless.
Luka may be the future face of the franchise, but taking the reins from a legend like LeBron isn’t just about scoring points-it’s about leadership, accountability, and setting the tone. And right now, that torch-passing moment still feels unresolved.
The Lakers’ recent slide only adds urgency to the situation. With the trade deadline looming in February, the front office is actively exploring ways to upgrade the roster.
Whether that means reshuffling the supporting cast or making a more dramatic move remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: this team can’t afford to stand still.
For now, the Lakers are stuck between eras-between the twilight of one of the game’s all-time greats and the rise of a new star still finding his voice. The question isn’t just whether they can win now. It’s whether they can figure out who they are before it’s too late.