The Lakers are winning games — but are they actually good enough to contend?

On this episode of BENCHED, actor Alan Maldonado and Emmy-winning coach Dave Miller break down why the Lakers’ defense is being exposed, especially in transition, against athletic teams.

Coach Dave explains why foot speed, defensive discipline, and toughness can’t be fixed overnight, how opposing teams attack the Lakers, and why transition defense is killing them in losses. They also debate potential trade targets, the myth of “playing harder,” and what the Lakers must change to survive the season.

Plus:
🏀 Why the Lakers lose BIG when they lose
🏀 Why transition defense matters more than schemes
🏀 Coach Dave’s blunt take on 3-and-D players
🏀 Herb Jones, Dylan Brooks & realistic trade talk
🏀 The BENCH segment gets personal (SGA gets benched!)

This is real basketball talk, no analytics fluff — just hoops.

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00:00 – Welcome to BENCHED
01:00 – Why the Lakers’ Defense Is Being Exposed
03:40 – Foot Speed, Discipline & What You Can’t Fix
07:50 – Why the Lakers Lose Big When They Lose
11:15 – Turnovers, Athletic Guards & Common Denominators
14:30 – Can Defensive Schemes Hide Lack of Speed?
17:45 – Are the Lakers a 3-and-D Player Away?
19:00 – Herb Jones, Dylan Brooks & Trade Reality
23:00 – Who Really Helped the Lakers Over the Years
30:00 – Coach Dave’s Brownsville Story
35:30 – Lakers vs Suns Preview
37:45 – What Tough Defense Actually Looks Like
43:45 – BENCH Segment Begins
46:00 – Alan Benches SGA
47:15 – Final Thoughts & Subscribe

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