Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed deep frustration following his team’s 119-96 defeat to the Houston Rockets on December 25, 2023. This marked the Lakers’ third consecutive loss and their sixth defeat in the last ten games. Redick’s comments highlighted a concerning lack of professionalism and effort from the players, as the team struggles to find its footing in the current season.
“We don’t care enough right now,” Redick stated emphatically. “And that’s the part that bothers you a lot. We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don’t care enough to be a professional.” The coach indicated that immediate changes are essential, emphasizing the need for a rigorous practice session scheduled for December 26, ahead of the Lakers’ next game against the Sacramento Kings.
The game against Houston was a one-sided affair from the start, with the Rockets quickly establishing a commanding lead that they maintained throughout the match. Redick pointed out that the two key areas needing improvement were effort and execution. “When we’ve done both of those things at a high level, we’ve been a good basketball team,” he noted. “When we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team.”
Luka Doncic, who returned to play after missing previous games due to injury, had a mixed performance. He led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 assists but also recorded a team-high six turnovers. The Rockets capitalized on these mistakes, dominating the boards with a 48-25 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive rebounds.
Injuries continue to plague the Lakers. Austin Reaves left the game at halftime due to soreness in his left calf, following a previous injury that sidelined him for three games. Reaves is scheduled to undergo an MRI, leaving his status uncertain as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Redick has not hesitated to call out players for a lack of readiness, insisting that improvement requires commitment from all team members.
“It’s a matter of making the choice,” he remarked, suggesting that some players have been inconsistent in their effort. LeBron James, who contributed 18 points, faced a particularly tough outing with a -33 plus-minus rating, marking his worst performance since joining the Lakers.
The disappointment was palpable in the locker room after the game. James, along with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, declined to comment on the situation, leaving the task of addressing the team’s struggles to role players Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt. LaRavia acknowledged a possible disconnect within the team, stating, “I don’t know what it is, but we just have to be able to reel it back in and get back on the right track.”
Vanderbilt echoed LaRavia’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for open communication and constructive criticism. “Certain stuff just needs to be said and certain stuff needs to be done,” he stated. “We don’t want this to keep lingering. And right now it’s three in a row, but we don’t want it to keep going the wrong direction.”
As the Lakers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Kings, the focus will be on regaining their competitive edge and addressing the issues that have led to their recent struggles. With Redick at the helm, the team faces a pivotal moment in the season, and the urgency for change is clear.
