UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers’ festive spirit was crushed on December 25, 2023, after a devastating 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets. This defeat marks the Lakers’ third consecutive loss and their sixth in the last ten games, prompting head coach JJ Redick to express serious concerns about his team’s professionalism.
Redick stated, “We don’t care enough right now,” highlighting a troubling lack of effort and commitment. “It’s going to be uncomfortable,” he warned, indicating that an intense practice session is planned for Saturday as the team prepares to face the Sacramento Kings at home this Sunday.
The Rockets dominated the game from the start, leading by as many as 14 points in the first quarter. Houston maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, underscoring the Lakers’ struggles. Redick emphasized, “The two words of the day were effort and execution,” and lamented that without these, the Lakers resembled a “terrible basketball team.”
In a troubling turn, star player Luka Doncic, who returned from a calf injury, struggled initially, committing three turnovers in just over two minutes. The Rockets capitalized on these mistakes, out-rebounding L.A. 48-25 overall, including 17 offensive boards.
The Lakers have now lost all 10 of their games this season by ten points or more, further exemplifying their current crisis. Redick’s frustration boiled over after a 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns just days prior, where he questioned specific players’ understanding of team strategies, again without naming names.
Compounding the Lakers’ woes, key player Austin Reaves left the game at halftime due to calf soreness and will undergo an MRI, leaving his future uncertain. Doncic led the team with 25 points and 7 assists but faced scrutiny for his six turnovers.
In light of the team’s poor performance, Doncic reflected, “Something needs to change,” stressing the need for improved team communication and effort. LeBron James also struggled, scoring 18 points while posting a dismal plus-minus of -33 during his time on the court, marking his worst performance as a Laker.
Following the game, key players including James and Rui Hachimura declined to comment, leaving role players Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to address the media. LaRavia noted, “It might be a disconnect right now,” emphasizing the need to regroup and refocus. Vanderbilt echoed this sentiment, stating, “We need to communicate and have hard conversations,” indicating that the team is at a crucial crossroads.
With the Lakers set to face the Kings on Sunday, the urgency for change is palpable. Redick’s call for accountability and action reflects the immediate need for the Lakers to shift their trajectory and restore their competitive edge.
