Without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, The Lakers have been facing a crisis for a week now. They are now on a four-game losing streak with the latest hammering coming from the 76ers.

If they do not post a win against the Cavaliers, the LA-based defending champions will have the same number of losses as that of #5 Nuggets and #6 Blazers. 

This dismal show from the Lakers’ second-team has raised some genuine doubts on their title defense this year. Can they keep losing, find themselves lower in the table, and still win WC in the postseason? Many, including a celebrated NBA analyst, do not feel so.

The Lakers have continued to disappoint without their star duo

Just as the Lakers lost their fourth consecutive game, a million fingers rose against their depth. Now, the critics must also know how LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been doing all the heavy lifting ever since the Orlando Bubble. But for their second-team not being able to even come closer to a W is worrisome.

In a recent interview, former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins raised one such concern, a little too punishingly. The 36-YO retired player expressed how the Lakers are no longer the title favorites. Later, after finding his mentions on the posts challenging the thought, the veteran stayed firm on his position and called out the supporting cast. Take a look –

The ongoing injury woes are doing a lot of damage to the Lakers as the other teams in WC are taking utmost advantage of the shortcoming. LeBron James is losing out on his MVP contention while the chances of meeting a strong 1st round playoff team are increasing.

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What’s next for Jeanie Buss and her team of champions?

Remember when Jeanie Buss broke her streak of missing games to show support for Montrezl Harrell by showing up in the game against the Pacers? The head coach Frank Vogel is showing the same support in his role players, who are suddenly playing longer minutes.

He has said on multiple occasions how these testing times will shape the Lakers for a stronger future. It is clear with the franchise’s move to keep Talen Horton-Tucker against trading him in a package for Kyle Lowry that the Lakers are thinking of the future.

As of now, they still have a chance to get either Andre Drummond or LaMarcus Aldridge from the free market.

But they still have faith in their lineup, headed by Dennis Schroder and supported by Kyle Kuzma, who must start delivering W’s. They must learn from the Sixers as to how they are competing and winning every night, even with no Joel Embiid. If not, they must at least play some close games to gain confidence and prove their reliability.