UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a devastating 119-96 defeat against the Houston Rockets on December 25, 2023, marking their third consecutive loss. Following the game, Coach JJ Redick delivered a scathing critique of his team’s lack of professionalism, asserting, “We don’t care enough right now.”
This embarrassing loss has raised alarms within the organization as the Lakers have now lost six of their last ten games. Redick emphasized the urgent need for change before their next game, scheduled for Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. “Saturday’s practice – I told the guys — it’s going to be uncomfortable,” Redick warned, stressing that he won’t tolerate another string of poor performances.
The Lakers fell behind early, trailing by as much as 14 points in the first quarter and never recovering. Redick pinpointed the critical issues affecting the team: “The two words of the day were effort and execution,” he stated. “When we’ve done both of those things at a high level, we’ve been a good basketball team. When we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team.”
Despite the return of star player Luka Doncic, who led the Lakers with 25 points but also recorded a troubling six turnovers, the team struggled to find its rhythm. The Rockets dominated the boards, out-rebounding L.A. 48-25, including an astonishing 17 offensive rebounds.
Adding to the Lakers’ woes, key player Austin Reaves exited the game at halftime with left calf soreness, which will require an MRI. His absence is a significant blow, especially as the team grapples with its identity and performance issues. “I don’t know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change,” Doncic admitted post-game, echoing the sentiment of urgency and frustration among the players.
Veteran LeBron James recorded just 18 points and faced the worst plus-minus performance of his career as the team was outscored by 33 points during his time on the court. His silence after the game, along with that of teammates like Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, left the discussion to role players like Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt, who acknowledged the team’s disconnect.
“We just have to be able to reel it back in and get back on the right track,” LaRavia stated, while Vanderbilt emphasized the critical juncture the team is facing. “Certain stuff just needs to be said and certain stuff needs to be done,” he noted, urging the need for honest communication moving forward.
As the Lakers prepare for a pivotal practice on Saturday, the pressure is on to rectify their course before facing the Kings. The season hangs in the balance as fans and analysts alike watch closely to see if Redick’s tough love will spur the team back to form or if the downward spiral will continue. The urgency is palpable – change is not just desired; it is essential for the Lakers to salvage their season.
