NBA Champion Blasts Lakers' Title Hopes: 'They Can't Guard Senior Citizens at Recess'

Kendrick Perkins offers a brutal takedown of the Lakers' championship aspirations this season.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins did not hold back in his assessment of the Los Angeles Lakers' title hopes this season, saying the team "can't guard senior citizens at recess" due to their poor defensive play. Perkins, now an analyst, claimed the Lakers' ceiling is only the second round of the playoffs despite their offensive firepower, citing their struggles on the defensive end of the floor.

Why it matters

The Lakers have championship aspirations this season, but their defensive woes have been a major concern. Perkins' scathing critique highlights the team's glaring issues and raises doubts about their ability to compete for an NBA title.

The details

The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 33-21 record, but their defense has been a major liability. They rank 18th in scoring defense, allowing 116.0 points per game on average, and are near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage defense and 3-point percentage defense. Perkins specifically called out the team's lack of point-of-attack defense and elite wing defenders, as well as the inconsistent play of center DeAndre Ayton.

  • The Lakers are headed into the All-Star break with a 124-104 win against the Dallas Mavericks.
  • The Lakers return to action with a three-game homestand starting Friday, February 24th.

The players

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA player who is now an analyst for ESPN.

LeBron James

One of the Lakers' star players and a key part of their championship aspirations.

Luka Dončić

A star player for the Lakers who recently returned from injury and is expected to play in their upcoming games.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers player who is part of the team's star trio along with LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

DeAndre Ayton

A Lakers player who Perkins criticized for his inconsistent play and inability to make a significant defensive impact.

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What they’re saying

“You've got to be able to defend. The Lakers have one of the best offensive teams right now, but guess what? They can't guard senior citizens at recess.”

— Kendrick Perkins, NBA Analyst (ESPN)

“They are one of the worst defensive teams in the league. They have a big that complain every day in DeAndre Ayton, you look at his numbers and think cause he has a double-double, but that's fool's gold! So if you ask me if this team can go out and compete, their ceiling is the second round.”

— Kendrick Perkins, NBA Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lakers will face their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Friday, February 24th, followed by games against the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic.

The takeaway

Kendrick Perkins' scathing critique of the Lakers' defensive woes highlights the team's significant challenges in their pursuit of an NBA championship this season. Despite their offensive firepower, the Lakers' inability to consistently stop opponents on the defensive end may ultimately limit their postseason aspirations.