Lakers trade news: JJ Redick makes feelings known on major roster needs after failing to contain 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama 

JJ Redick's LA Lakers suffered a third straight loss on Monday after a second-half collapse against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. The Lakers led by 62-53 at the half but blew that lead in the final two quarters, tallying only 40 points. On the other hand, the Spurs scored 73. 7-foot-3 Wembanyama had 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks on 10 of 17 shots.

The Lakers preferred switching against him and the Spurs' perimeter players. San Antonio couldn't exploit that in the first half. But in the second, the Spurs made the Lakers pay for it. Every time they drew Anthony Davis out of the paint and targetted Austin Reaves in the post, they scored. Wembanyama's mere presence made LA's defense over-adjust.

Redick didn't hesitate to point out the Lakers' biggest weaknesses leading up to the trade deadline after the loss, pointing to the team

"Wemby being on the court, you have to kind of decide how you want to play coverage ... The point of attack just wasn't good tonight. It feels like there's no one in the paint for us."

Redick was spot on with his analysis, as the Lakers do need a perimeter defender and another reliable center. It's the ideal way for them to tackle big lineups. The Lakers schemes might be the answer, but without the personnel, it's simply not effective.

Anthony Davis is their only reliable rim protector, and if he's on the perimeter, the Lakers' paint is easy to exploit for most teams. The reason Davis has to switch is LA's lack of point-of-attack defenders, so it's clear that they need these upgrades at the trade deadline.