Back in 2022, Kendrick Perkins made headlines by storming off the ESPN set mid-segment when they talked about the Los Angeles Lakers. From questioning the hiring of JJ Redick as a coach to critiquing the inclusion of LeBron James’ son, Bronny, on the roster, Perkins has made it clear that he expects more from the Lakers. And now, with teams around the league making bold moves to strengthen their rosters, Perkins finds himself once again baffled by the Lakers’ strategy.

LA Lakers recently filled a significant vacancy by hiring Dr. Vanessa Brooks as their head athletic trainer. Brooks, who has an impressive track record with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2019, is the first Black woman to be dual-certified as an athletic trainer and physical therapist. She steps into a role left vacant after Roger Sancho departed for the Phoenix Suns. The move is a significant one for both Brooks and the Lakers. But for Perkins, it’s not quite the shake-up he thinks the Lakers need right now.

“The NBA is NBA’ing meanwhile the Lakers are hiring their trainers. 😑,” he wrote on X. However, it’s not that he doubts Brooks’ capabilities, but rather, he’s skeptical about the Lakers’ focus.

Just look at the recent blockbuster trade between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks. Minnesota sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick. It’s a franchise-altering deal for both sides, and exactly the kind of move Perkins wishes the Lakers would make. Instead, they seem more interested in strengthening their backroom staff than their on-court talent.

This isn’t the first time Perkins has expressed frustration with the Lakers’ choices. When they appointed JJ Redick as head coach, he didn’t hold back on the criticism.

Kendrick Perkins skeptical about JJ Redick’s coaching potential

As much as he respects Redick’s analytical skills and knowledge of the game, Perkins isn’t fully convinced that these translate to effective coaching. According to the ESPN analyst, “It’s a whole different ball game when you’re the one calling the shots.” But Perkins isn’t ruling Redick out just yet.

“I just need to see it. I need to see it,” he said on Mark Jackson’s podcast in June, emphasizing the importance of results on the court. He pointed out that the recent NBA Finals featured two Black head coaches, Jason Kidd and Joe Mazzulla, both of whom showcased their ability to connect with players and navigate high-pressure situations. For Perkins, having a strategy is one thing, but communicating it effectively is what truly sets successful coaches apart.

What raised eyebrows for Perkins was the news that Anthony Davis reportedly wanted Rajon Rondo to join Redick’s coaching staff. For him, this move seemed like a signal that AD wasn’t fully confident in Redick’s leadership from the get-go.

“To me, it was like, ‘Okay, Bron, you got your guy, now I need to get mine,’” Perkins said. Redick may have the X’s and O’s down, but earning the trust and respect of players like Davis is another challenge altogether. Last season, AD thrived under Darvin Ham’s guidance, and for Redick, matching that success will be no small feat.