URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a staggering 119-96 defeat by the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, marking their third consecutive loss. Following the game, head coach JJ Redick launched a scathing critique of his team’s effort, stating, “We don’t care enough right now,” and emphasizing an urgent need for change before their next game against the Sacramento Kings on December 31, 2023.
The Lakers’ performance has raised serious concerns, as they have now lost six of their last ten games. Redick expressed frustration with the team’s professionalism, stating, “It’s going to be uncomfortable,” regarding Saturday’s practice and upcoming meetings aimed at addressing the issues within the squad.
The game against Houston saw the Lakers fall behind early, trailing by as much as 14 points in the first quarter. The Rockets maintained a commanding lead throughout, dominating the boards with a staggering 48-25 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive rebounds. Redick highlighted the need for improved “effort and execution,” noting, “when we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team.”
Star player Luka Doncic returned from injury but struggled, committing six turnovers in just over two minutes at the start of the game. He led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 assists, but acknowledged the need for a collective effort to turn the season around, stating, “Everybody has got to give better effort, starting with me.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers lost another key player, Austin Reaves, to calf soreness at halftime, with an MRI scheduled for Friday to assess the injury. The absence of Reaves complicates an already challenging situation for the Lakers, who are grappling with player commitments and on-court chemistry.
Despite Doncic’s efforts, the team’s struggle was evident, particularly in LeBron James‘s performance, which resulted in the worst plus-minus of his Lakers career. Following the game, James, along with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, declined to speak to the media, leaving teammates Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to address the team’s current state.
“It might be a disconnect right now,” said LaRavia. “We just have to be able to reel it back in and get back on the right track.”
Vanderbilt echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation, stating, “We don’t want this to keep lingering. Right now it’s three in a row, but we don’t want it to keep going the wrong direction.”
The Lakers must act quickly to rectify their downward spiral. As the team prepares for a pivotal practice session on Saturday, the urgency for improvement is palpable. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Lakers can regroup and regain their competitive edge before facing the Kings this weekend.
