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Progress on paper but a glaring weakness remains
The recent stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers has been promising. With strong performances from their core stars, the team has reeled off a string of victories, offering Laker fans renewed hope. Their recent win over the New Orleans Pelicans, fueled by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, continued that momentum. The offensive rhythm looked smooth, the defensive energy was noticeably higher, and the overall team spirit suggested that the Lakers were finally finding their identity after an uneven start to the season.
Still, a familiar voice of caution emerged. Former Lakers great James Worthy highlighted what he sees as a serious structural flaw: the bench. He warned that despite the wins, the franchise’s dead last in the league bench scoring average cannot be ignored. His comments resonated because they reflect a concern that has quietly followed the Lakers for months.
Worthy’s words underscore a fundamental tension. The Lakers are winning now, and the optics look good. But underneath the success lies an issue that could derail the season if not addressed promptly and decisively.
What Worthy said and why it matters
Worthy’s concern stems from hard numbers. He pointed out that LA’s second unit scores fewer points than any other bench in the NBA this season. For a team with championship aspirations, leading the league in least bench production is more than a red flag, it is a sign of a deeper imbalance between starters and reserves.
He warned that when a team racks up wins, it is easy to let certain flaws slide. “Sometimes when you are winning, certain things can be covered up,” Worthy said, emphasizing that winning streaks often mask the long term issues that only become evident when the season’s pressure peaks.
For him, and many watching closely, this isn’t just a minor gripe, it is a warning sign. As long as the starters carry the load, the team may win games. But if injuries, fatigue, or stronger opponents come calling, the lack of bench scoring could be a major liability. The NBA season is long, and history has shown that depth is as important as star power when postseason intensity rises.
Why the bench struggles: context and contributing factors
Heavy dependence on starters
The Lakers’ offense currently revolves around their star-studded starting five. With Dončić, LeBron James, and Reaves taking the bulk of the offensive responsibility, many clutch plays, points, and shot creation fall to them. The bench, for now, plays a supplementary role. This structure creates a significant imbalance in scoring distribution.
That concentration of offensive load can mask bench deficiencies, at least until starters rest, miss games, or underperform. When the second unit checks in, the offensive flow often stalls. Instead of generating shots through structured sets, the group tends to rely on individual creation, which results in inconsistent scoring.
Role and expectations of bench players
Members of the second unit, including role players like Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart when available, are often tasked with defensive assignments, energy plays, hustle, and occasional offensive bursts. Their role is not designed around heavy scoring.
Still, even with those constraints, the gap between realistic expectations and actual production seems too large, which is why bench scoring remains a critical talking point. A championship caliber team doesn’t require its bench to be explosive, but it does need reliability. At present, the Lakers bench provides neither volume nor consistency.
The illusion of success
Recent wins, especially with the starters healthy, can create the illusion that everything is fine. The scoreboard looks favorable, the team appears energized, and the fanbase is reassured. But as Worthy warned, those wins might just be papering over deeper issues.
Once the schedule intensifies, or fatigue and injuries accumulate, the bench deficit could become glaring. NBA seasons are defined by stretches of adversity. Teams that crumble during those moments often have one thing in common: lack of depth. Worthy’s warning is not an overreaction. It is an acknowledgment of a flaw that could haunt the Lakers at the worst time.
What this means heading into the Suns matchup
The upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns is more than just another regular season contest for the Lakers. With their bench issues now public, the spotlight is on their depth and how well they can respond under pressure.
If starters deliver as usual, they might still win, but they risk exhaustion down the line. If the bench fails to contribute, especially against a motivated Suns squad, LA could struggle, particularly in maintaining intensity, defending leads, or controlling tempo.
Veteran presence from Smart, defensive versatility from LaRavia, and energy from Vincent will be key. Yet, even with them, the bench must find a consistent scoring rhythm if the Lakers hope to beat deeper and more balanced teams long term. One good game won’t erase months of statistical weakness.
Why the warning from a legend rings louder than most commentary
When a Hall of Famer and Lakers icon speaks up, people listen, especially when he calls out the team’s vulnerabilities. Worthy was part of championship winning squads built on balance, chemistry, and depth. His call to attention is not just tactical, it is cultural.
It is a reminder of what championship level consistency requires. It forces the organization, coaches, players, and fans to confront underlying faults before they escalate. Worthy, having played through dynastic pressure and postseason demands, understands the fragility of success. His voice carries the weight of experience that few others can match.
What the Lakers could and should do next
Rediscover balanced scoring: The bench should be encouraged to hunt open looks, mix up play calls, and share offensive load, not just rely on garbage-time contributions.
Rotate more evenly: To manage starters’ fatigue and reduce injury risk, minutes should be distributed more widely, giving bench players meaningful roles rather than token appearances.
Develop trust and chemistry: Bench players need rhythm, opportunity, and freedom to play their game, allowing them to build confidence and readiness when their number is called.
Strategic lineups against strong teams: Against well-rounded opponents like Phoenix, San Antonio, or Denver, the Lakers might need to stagger rotations, mixing starters and key bench pieces to maintain balance on both ends.
Mentality shift: The organization must treat depth not as optional, but essential. That means holding the bench accountable, setting clear expectations, and investing in their readiness.
Broader implications: What this reveals about Lakers’ 2025 26 season
The warning from James Worthy is more than a critique. It’s a signal that the Lakers remain highly reliant on star performance this season. That reliance may produce wins, but it may also limit sustainability.
If injuries hit, or the competition stiffens, this bench issue could transform from a talking point to a major obstacle. In the playoff picture, where depth and execution often decide outcomes, LA could find themselves exposed.
Moreover, the shifts in league pacing, roster construction, and depth across NBA teams mean that bench production is more valuable than ever. The Lakers need not only stars, but dependable support.
They may still have one of the most talented lineups on paper. But today’s NBA rewards balance, versatility, and depth.
Nguyen Hoai Thanh
Nguyen Hoai Thanh is the Founder and CEO of Metaconex. With 12 years of experience in developing websites, applications and digital media, Nguyen Hoai Thanh has many stories and experiences of success to share.