As an NBA data analyst with a MIT background, I’m breaking down why the Lakers’ lack of a true power forward isn’t just a roster gap—it’s a systemic issue. Using Synergy Sports data and position-based efficiency metrics, I reveal how this absence impacts their defense, rebounding, and offensive spacing. This isn’t just fan frustration; it’s math. Stick around to see what the numbers say about LeBron’s role shift and why 'small-ball' has limits.