TNT’s Reggie Miller and Brian Anderson were on the call for Thursday night’s marquee matchup between the LA Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. The highly anticipated showdown saw the Lakers stay competitive in the first half before the Bucks took full control in the second, securing a dominant victory. A pivotal third quarter proved disastrous for Los Angeles as Milwaukee outscored them 31-19, shifting the game’s momentum decisively in the home team’s favor.
Milwaukee’s Third-Quarter Surge
The Lakers managed to keep pace with the Bucks through two quarters, trailing only slightly heading into halftime. However, Milwaukee’s adjustments and relentless energy in the third period completely overwhelmed LA. The Lakers’ defense struggled to contain the Bucks’ offensive firepower, leading to open looks and high-percentage shots that helped Milwaukee seize control of the game.
The Bucks’ defensive intensity also increased, forcing turnovers and limiting LA’s offensive efficiency. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the charge, exploiting defensive mismatches and pushing the pace. The Lakers’ lack of a response highlighted their ongoing struggles with consistency, particularly against elite competition.
Reggie Miller’s Criticism of Alex Len
One particular moment in the third quarter caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike. Reggie Miller, never one to hold back his thoughts, criticized Lakers backup center Alex Len for his defensive lapse that allowed Brook Lopez to sink an open three-pointer.
Miller’s blunt assessment of Len’s performance was as follows:
“Len, he’s not guarding anyone, he’s not scoring, he’s not rebounding. Go small.”
The statement was a scathing indictment of Len’s lack of impact on the game. Lopez, one of the league’s best shooting big men, capitalized on the defensive miscue, further fueling Milwaukee’s second-half surge. The lapse underscored the Lakers’ struggles with their big-man rotation, particularly in key matchups where defensive discipline is crucial.
Lakers’ Rotation Dilemma
The criticism directed at Alex Len is reflective of a larger issue plaguing the Lakers—an unsettled rotation. With injuries and inconsistent performances affecting key players, head coach Darvin Ham has been forced to experiment with different lineups. However, the lack of cohesion and defensive intensity remains a glaring problem, particularly against top-tier teams like Milwaukee.
Going small, as Miller suggested, could have been a viable adjustment, allowing the Lakers to better defend the perimeter and match Milwaukee’s speed. However, the Lakers’ lack of depth and reliable shooters has made small-ball lineups a hit-or-miss strategy. The coaching staff will need to evaluate the team’s defensive approach moving forward if they hope to compete at a high level.
Bucks’ Statement Win
For the Bucks, the victory reinforced their status as one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams. With Antetokounmpo dominating the paint and Lillard providing a scoring punch, Milwaukee continues to showcase why they are a legitimate title contender. Their defensive effort in the second half was particularly impressive, shutting down the Lakers’ offense and capitalizing on their mistakes.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The loss to Milwaukee raises questions about the Lakers’ ability to compete against the league’s best. While they have moments of brilliance, their inconsistency and defensive breakdowns remain concerning. Adjustments need to be made, whether in player rotations, defensive schemes, or potential roster moves. If the Lakers hope to make a deep playoff run, they must address these lingering issues before it’s too late.
Reggie Miller’s sharp critique of Alex Len may have been harsh, but it highlighted a crucial aspect of the Lakers’ struggles. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the team responds to these challenges.
