UPDATE: In a shocking post-game revelation, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick bluntly stated that his team’s defensive struggles are simply a matter of choice following a devastating 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 19, 2023. With this defeat marking their third loss in five games, the urgency for improvement is palpable as the Lakers face mounting pressure.
During a tense press conference, Redick was asked if his roster possesses enough players willing to deliver consistent effort and physical play like the Suns. His answer was stark: “No.” This loss has dropped the Lakers’ record to 19-9 overall, placing them at No. 4 in the Western Conference, yet their cumulative point differential stands at just plus-8 through 28 games.
The Lakers’ defensive rating has plummeted to 24th in the NBA, a troubling decline from last season’s 17th ranking. The game shifted dramatically after halftime, with the Lakers being outscored 45-29 in the third quarter and allowing the Suns to shoot an astounding 72.7% from the field, including 83.3% on three-pointers.
Redick emphasized the need for accountability, stating,
“There are shortcuts you can take or you can do the hard thing and you can make the second effort or you can sprint back or you can’t. It’s just a choice.”
His frustration mirrored that of his players, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves echoing the need for a unified effort on both ends of the court.
James led the Lakers with 23 points and six assists in just 26 minutes, while Reaves returned from injury to contribute 17 points off the bench. However, the Lakers were without two key starters: Luka Doncic, who is day-to-day with a left calf contusion, and Rui Hachimura, who is battling right groin soreness. Their absence was felt deeply in this crucial matchup.
Marcus Smart, the Lakers’ offseason acquisition and former Defensive Player of the Year, did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s current state. He stated bluntly,
“We’re being real s—ty right now, and it’s showing.”
Smart emphasized the team’s lack of defensive cohesion, stating, “There’s really no defense, no scheme we can do when we’re giving up offensive rebounds in crucial moments.”
With the trade deadline looming just six weeks away, the question of who will remain in the Lakers’ locker room is increasingly uncertain if defensive improvements are not made swiftly. The Lakers are scheduled to face the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, and both players and coaches know they must elevate their game to avoid further disappointment.
The urgency for the Lakers to rectify their defensive lapses is not just about immediate results but also about their long-term viability as contenders. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Lakers can make the necessary adjustments to reclaim their competitive edge.
