UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers faced a devastating 119-96 defeat against the Houston Rockets on December 25, 2023, marking their third consecutive loss and raising urgent questions about team commitment and professionalism.
In a blunt post-game assessment, Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed deep concern, stating, “We don’t care enough right now. That’s the part that bothers you a lot.” His urgent remarks highlight a stark decline in team performance, with Los Angeles losing six of their last ten games.
Redick emphasized the need for immediate action ahead of their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings on December 31. “Saturday’s practice is going to be uncomfortable,” he warned, indicating a critical juncture for the team. “I’m not doing another 53 games like this,” he added, underscoring the dire need for change.
The game against the Rockets was alarming from the start, as Houston jumped to a 14-point lead in the opening quarter and maintained double-digit leads throughout the game. Redick attributed the loss to a lack of effort and execution, stating, “When we’ve done both at a high level, we’ve been a good basketball team; when we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team. And tonight, we were a terrible basketball team.”
Star player Luka Doncic, returning from injury, struggled with turnovers early in the game, contributing to the Lakers’ woes. The Rockets dominated the boards, out-rebounding L.A. 48-25, including 17 offensive rebounds.
In an alarming trend, all ten of the Lakers’ losses this season have been by ten or more points, prompting Redick to reflect on the team’s commitment. “It’s a matter of making the choice,” he noted, suggesting that some players are not prepared to meet the team’s expectations.
Adding to the team’s challenges, guard Austin Reaves left the game due to calf soreness, with an MRI scheduled for Friday to assess his condition. The uncertainty surrounding his health compounds the Lakers’ struggles as they attempt to regroup.
Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 assists but acknowledged the need for change, stating, “I don’t know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change. We just got to talk about it.” He echoed Redick’s call for uncomfortable conversations among players to address the team’s shortcomings.
Meanwhile, LeBron James had a disappointing outing, scoring just 18 points and posting his worst plus-minus performance as a Laker, according to ESPN Insights. Following the game, he, along with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, declined to speak to reporters, leaving the task of addressing the state of the team to role players.
“There might be a disconnect right now,” said Jake LaRavia, calling for the team to regain focus. Jarred Vanderbilt added that the Lakers are at a critical point in the season, emphasizing the necessity for hard conversations to prevent further decline.
As the Lakers prepare for their next game, the urgency for improvement looms large. With their playoff aspirations on the line, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Redick’s tough love approach can spark a turnaround.
The Lakers must confront their challenges head-on before it’s too late. The time for action is now.
