The Los Angeles Lakers faced a disappointing defeat on December 25, 2023, losing 119-96 to the Houston Rockets. This loss marked the Lakers’ third consecutive defeat and their sixth in the past ten games. Following the game, head coach JJ Redick expressed deep concern over his team’s commitment and professionalism.
Redick was blunt in his assessment, stating, “We don’t care enough right now. And that’s the part that bothers you a lot.” He emphasized that the team must urgently address these issues before their next match against the Sacramento Kings on December 31. “Saturday’s practice – I told the guys — it’s going to be uncomfortable,” Redick added. “I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
The game against the Rockets was dominated early, with Houston establishing a 14-point lead in the first quarter. The Lakers struggled to mount a comeback, trailing by double digits throughout the second half. Redick pointed out that the team’s lack of effort and execution led to their poor performance. “The two words of the day were effort and execution,” he noted. “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.”
Luka Doncic, returning from a calf injury, led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 assists but also recorded a team-high six turnovers. The Lakers’ inability to secure rebounds was evident, as they were out-rebounded 48-25, including 17 offensive boards for Houston. This was particularly significant as all ten of the Lakers’ losses this season have come by ten points or more.
In the wake of the loss to the Rockets, Redick reiterated concerns he raised after a previous defeat to the Phoenix Suns. He implied that some players were not adequately prepared, stating, “It’s a matter of making the choice. And too often, we have guys that don’t want to make that choice.”
The Lakers’ lineup was impacted further when guard Austin Reaves exited the game at halftime due to calf soreness, an injury that had already sidelined him for three games earlier in the season. Reaves is set to undergo an MRI, leaving his availability uncertain.
While Doncic shouldered some responsibility, stating, “Everybody has got to give better effort, starting with me,” the team’s star player LeBron James had a notably poor performance, scoring 18 points but recording a plus-minus of -33 in his 34 minutes on the court. This marked one of his worst performances since joining the Lakers.
Following the game, James and other key players, including Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, declined to comment, leaving the floor open for role players like Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to reflect on the team’s struggles.
“It might be a disconnect right now,” LaRavia remarked, emphasizing the need for the team to refocus. Vanderbilt echoed this sentiment, stating, “Ultimately, certain stuff just needs to be said and certain stuff needs to be done.” He underscored the importance of communication and confronting issues head-on, particularly as the team looks to reverse its downward trend.
With the Lakers facing critical games ahead, the urgency to improve their performance and resolve internal issues has never been greater. As they prepare for their next matchup against the Kings, the emphasis on effort and execution will be paramount for the team’s success.
