UPDATE: In a stark admission after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 19, 2023, head coach JJ Redick declared that his team lacks players who consistently choose to put forth effort and physicality. This loss marks the Lakers’ third defeat in five games, raising urgent concerns about their defensive capabilities as they head into the holiday season.
The Lakers now hold a 19-9 record, placing them at No. 4 in the Western Conference, but with a concerning point differential of just plus-8 over 28 games. After starting the season with improved defense, they have slipped to 24th in the NBA in defensive rating, a significant decline from last season.
During a disastrous third quarter in Phoenix, the Lakers were outscored 45-29 and allowed the Suns to shoot an astonishing 72.7% from the field, including 83.3% from three-point range. Redick emphasized the need for better choices during the game, stating, “It comes down to … just making the choice.”
Austin Reaves returned from a three-game absence due to a strained left calf, contributing 17 points off the bench. Meanwhile, LeBron James led the team with 23 points and six assists in just 26 minutes. The Lakers were missing two starters, including Luka Doncic (left calf contusion) and Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness), both listed as day-to-day ahead of their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Health issues have plagued the Lakers throughout the season, with James missing the first 14 games due to sciatica. Despite the challenges, both James and Reaves stressed the importance of collective effort, with James noting, “It has to be five guys on a string.”
“I think it’s just a guard with five people every possession,” Reaves added. “Everybody has got to be locked in every single possession.”
Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who joined the Lakers in the offseason, voiced his frustration bluntly, stating, “We doing s—. We’re being real s—ty right now, and it’s showing.” Smart pointed to crucial moments where the team fails to secure rebounds and lacks defensive urgency.
With the NBA trade deadline looming in just six weeks, the Lakers face mounting pressure to improve their performance. If the current roster fails to show defensive progress, significant changes may be on the horizon.
As the Lakers prepare for their critical Christmas Day game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Redick’s team can address their pressing defensive issues and regain their competitive edge.
