UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles continue as they suffer a crushing 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 19, 2023. Coach JJ Redick did not hold back after the disappointing performance, declaring that the team’s defensive effort is ultimately “a choice.”
The Lakers, now with three losses in their last five games and a total of nine on the season—each by double-digit margins—find themselves in a precarious position despite their 19-9 record and holding the 4th place in the Western Conference. Their cumulative point differential stands at just +8 through 28 games, highlighting a troubling trend.
In a game that saw the Lakers outscored 45-29 in the third quarter, Redick pinpointed the lack of consistent effort as a critical issue. “We practice this stuff enough… It comes down to… just making the choice,” he stated. The Lakers allowed the Suns to shoot an astonishing 72.7% from the field during that period, including an alarming 83.3% on three-pointers.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 23 points and six assists in just 26 minutes, while Austin Reaves returned from injury to contribute 17 points off the bench. However, the team faced significant challenges, missing starters Luka Doncic (calf contusion) and Rui Hachimura (groin soreness), both listed as day-to-day ahead of their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Health issues have plagued the Lakers all season, with James notably missing the first 14 games due to sciatica. Both James and Reaves emphasized the need for improved performance regardless of personnel. “It has to be five guys on a string,” James reiterated. Reaves added, “Everybody has got to be locked in every single possession.”
Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who joined the Lakers this season, was even more direct in his assessment: “We doing s—,” he admitted. “There’s really no defense, no scheme we can do when we’re giving up offensive rebounds… It’s tough.”
With the NBA trade deadline looming in just six weeks, the Lakers’ roster may see changes if the lack of defensive intensity persists. The urgency for improvement is palpable as the team heads into critical matchups, with fans and analysts alike watching closely to see if Redick’s calls for commitment result in on-court changes.
As the situation develops, the Lakers must confront their defensive woes head-on or risk further decline in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
