For the Los Angeles Lakers, it has been a season filled with drama, but what else is new for the Lakers franchise that is known to some as the most popular organization in the NBA?

Aside from the off-court situations, the Lakers have played some solid basketball this season, sitting as the fifth seed in the Western Conference at 28-17.

Even with a 28-17 record, Los Angeles has lost many games despite its defense being questioned, which has been the team’s Achilles’ heel thus far this season.

More: Luka Doncic’s defensive stats are alarming for Lakers

Another concern comes from the big man position, where they are not the best, and from many believing the centers the Lakers have are underperforming, like Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. Still, ESPN’s analyst sees only Ayton as the problem for the purple and gold.

On the network’s flagship show, ‘First Take’, the former champion gave his thoughts on what the Lakers need to do to become a legit contender for another title, and in his eyes, that doesn’t include having Ayton on the roster.

“I got to look at a guy like Deandre Ayton right now, and that’s the only problem I have. I feel like they’re a big man away,” Perkins stated.

Later in his analysis, he admitted that the Lakers have gotten better defensively, but with Ayton not playing with force, he can’t be high on the team. While also suggesting his double-doubles, he records every so often are “fools good” and that Los Angeles should look into trading for a big man like Daniel Gafford, as he believes that move would put the Lakers in legit championship conversations.

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