During a three-game losing streak, Kendrick Perkins calls the Los Angeles Lakers “gross.”

Kendrick Perkins Calls the Los Angeles Lakers “Gross” During a Three-Game Losing Streak: A Deep Dive into the Criticism and What It Means for the Lakers’ Season

In the fast-paced world of the NBA, where every game is an opportunity for redemption or despair, it’s not uncommon for teams to face the scrutiny of critics when they fall short of expectations. However, few teams endure the level of scrutiny and attention that comes with being the Los Angeles Lakers—a franchise with a rich history of success, championships, and legendary players. The Lakers’ struggles, both on and off the court, tend to attract attention from all corners of the basketball world. And recently, during a particularly rough stretch of games, Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current analyst, didn’t mince words when discussing the Lakers’ performance, calling them “gross” during a three-game losing streak.

Perkins’ comment sent shockwaves through the NBA community, sparking debates about the Lakers’ place in the league, their future, and whether their star-studded roster could turn things around. The question on everyone’s mind: What does Perkins’ harsh criticism mean for the team, and should it be taken seriously? In this article, we will break down Kendrick Perkins’ comments, explore the Lakers’ current state, and analyze what needs to change if they’re to live up to their championship aspirations.

Who is Kendrick Perkins, and Why His Comments Matter

Kendrick Perkins is no stranger to bold opinions and unfiltered commentary. A former NBA player known for his tough, physical style of play as a center, Perkins carved out a niche for himself in the league as a defensive presence, primarily during his time with the Boston Celtics, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 2008. Since retiring from playing, Perkins has transitioned into a prominent role as an NBA analyst, frequently appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” and other media outlets, offering insight and often stirring the pot with his hot takes.

His criticism of the Lakers, therefore, is significant not just because of the weight of his words, but also because of his position as an analyst with a platform that reaches millions of fans. When someone with Perkins’ experience in the league calls a team “gross,” it’s not a simple jab; it’s a pointed assessment of their on-court play, leadership, and overall performance. Given his background, his opinions carry weight among fans and pundits alike, making his remarks a topic of much discussion.

But what exactly did Perkins mean when he called the Lakers “gross”? Was this a reaction to one or two bad games, or does it reflect deeper issues within the team?

The Lakers’ Three-Game Losing Streak

Before diving into Perkins’ criticism, it’s important to first understand the context of the Lakers’ three-game losing streak. During this stretch, the team struggled in multiple areas—defense, shooting, and overall team chemistry. The Lakers have always been a high-profile team, with expectations sky-high due to the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the league’s best players. Add in a supporting cast that includes players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, and you have a roster that many felt had championship potential.

However, the reality of the 2024-2025 season has been much different. The Lakers have often looked disjointed and out of sync, particularly during their losing streak. Key issues have included:

1. Inconsistent Shooting: Despite having a mix of shooters on the roster, the Lakers’ offensive efficiency has fluctuated wildly. Poor shooting from beyond the arc and in the mid-range has led to scoring droughts, preventing them from keeping pace with some of the league’s top teams.
2. Defensive Lapses: Known for their defensive prowess in previous seasons, the Lakers have struggled to maintain the same level of intensity on defense. In particular, their inability to close out on shooters, protect the paint, and get key stops at pivotal moments has cost them dearly.
3. Lack of Chemistry: As much as talent is important in the NBA, team chemistry is often the differentiator between good and great teams. The Lakers’ roster has gone through several changes in recent seasons, and the lack of cohesion has been evident during their losing streak. LeBron and Davis have had to carry much of the burden, and the team has had trouble integrating role players consistently.
4. Injuries: Injuries, as they often do in the NBA, have played a significant role in the Lakers’ struggles. Whether it’s LeBron James dealing with nagging injuries or Anthony Davis’ injury-prone history coming back to haunt them, the Lakers have found themselves without their stars at critical moments.

This three-game losing streak encapsulated all these issues in a way that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. How could a team with such star power underperform so drastically?

Perkins’ Criticism: “Gross” and Beyond

In the wake of the Lakers’ disappointing performances, Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team. His use of the word “gross” was particularly cutting, as it implied not just a poor showing but something fundamentally off about the team’s approach to the game. To Perkins, the Lakers weren’t just losing—they were playing in a way that was difficult to watch, lacking the energy, grit, and cohesiveness that one might expect from a championship-contending squad.

“The Lakers are gross right now,” Perkins stated on First Take during the losing streak. “They look like a team that has no idea what they’re doing. You have LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a decent supporting cast, and yet, they can’t figure it out. There’s no flow to their offense, and their defense has been atrocious. They’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to be a contender this season.”

Perkins didn’t just criticize the Lakers for their losses, but also for the manner in which they were losing. The Lakers’ offensive struggles were clear, but more troubling to Perkins was their defensive effort, or lack thereof. “When you’re talking about a team with LeBron and Davis, the defense should never be the issue,” Perkins continued. “That’s the backbone of this team. And right now, they’re giving up too many easy buckets. They’ve got to tighten up.”

One of the key points Perkins raised was the inconsistency in leadership. The expectation is that LeBron James, the reigning NBA Finals MVP and four-time champion, would lead by example on both ends of the floor. However, his leadership during this losing streak has been called into question, particularly when it comes to providing the steadying influence the Lakers need when things get tough.

Moreover, Perkins hinted at a larger problem: the Lakers’ inability to adapt. “It’s one thing to lose, but it’s another to keep making the same mistakes over and over again,” he remarked. The inability to adjust during the losing streak, especially when facing strong opponents, reflected a lack of basketball IQ and adaptability that could potentially jeopardize the Lakers’ championship aspirations.

Why Perkins’ Criticism Stings

The Lakers, with all their talent, have historically been a franchise built on winning championships and competing at the highest level. When someone like Kendrick Perkins—who has been around the game for decades—uses terms like “gross” to describe their play, it’s a slap in the face to the legacy of the franchise. For a team that has featured some of the NBA’s greatest players, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, to be labeled as “gross” by a former champion is a sign of just how far they’ve fallen in the eyes of some.

For many Lakers fans, Perkins’ comments were frustrating because they reflected a level of disappointment and anger that many were already feeling. The Lakers have been one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, but in recent years, they’ve failed to live up to expectations. Their struggles during this losing streak only amplified those frustrations, especially considering the vast amount of talent they’ve assembled.

But Perkins’ criticism also struck a chord because it wasn’t just an opinion—it was a call to action. When a former player like him uses strong language, it signals that the team must change. His comments are a warning: the Lakers are at a crossroads, and they can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes if they hope to contend for another title.

What Needs to Change for the Lakers?

So, what needs to change for the Lakers to prove Kendrick Perkins wrong and show that they are still a legitimate championship contender?

1. Better Offensive Flow: The Lakers’ offense has been disjointed at times, with LeBron and Davis often having to do too much. They need better ball movement and more involvement from their supporting cast. Players like Russell, Reaves, and Hachimura must step up and make timely contributions.
2. Defensive Improvement: The Lakers’ defense has always been one of their calling cards, but they’ve been far too lackadaisical on that end. They need to get back to playing tough, team-oriented defense, especially when guarding elite offensive players.
3. Leadership and Accountability: LeBron James needs to be the steady force in times of adversity. His leadership, both on and off the court, will be crucial in keeping the team focused and motivated.
4. Health: Injuries have been a persistent issue for the Lakers, particularly with Anthony Davis. If they want to contend, they need their stars to stay healthy for a sustained period.