The Los Angeles Lakers sit atop the NBA at 11-2 after a Wednesday night win over the Milwaukee Bucks, yet the victory exposed lingering concerns about their depth.

Head coach JJ Redick delivered pointed criticism of the team’s third-string unit after the game, describing their inability to run the offense effectively in fourth quarters as “unacceptable,” via Lakers reporter Jovan Buha.

He also noted that the coaching staff must do a better job reinforcing offensive principles and keeping the group organized when the starters sit.

Bronny James was among those on the receiving end.

In just four minutes against Milwaukee he posted a minus-13 plus-minus, a figure mirrored by several other reserves—Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero, Kevon Looney, and Jaden Hardy—who finished with marks of minus-12 or minus-13.

Every other Laker on the floor that night had a positive rating. The Lakers still won by 11 points, but the margin was not large enough to shield the end of the bench from Redick’s assessment.

The timing of the critique is especially relevant. Injuries to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Collin Sexton have thinned the rotation, raising the possibility that third-string players will be called upon more often in the coming games.

Redick’s remarks suggest he currently lacks confidence that those players can maintain the team’s offensive structure when the lead is already in hand.

For James specifically, the night continued a difficult early-season trend.

Across fewer than 17 total minutes this year he has been a minus-40, meaning the Lakers have been outscored by that margin while he is on the court.

Observers have questioned whether the 22-year-old can function as a point guard at the NBA level.

He has struggled to organize the offense even in G League appearances, and against the Bucks he scored four points entirely at the free-throw line while missing his only field-goal attempt.

Advanced numbers paint a similarly stark picture. The Lakers’ offensive rating with James on the floor sits at 81.1, and their net rating is deeply negative.

With several key contributors sidelined, Wednesday offered him a clear opportunity to demonstrate he belongs in the rotation. Instead, the performance reinforced existing doubts.

As the Lakers continue to navigate injuries while protecting the league’s best record, the pressure on James and the rest of the third string is only increasing.

Redick’s latest comments make clear that continued underperformance will not go unaddressed.