UPDATE: In a stunning display of frustration, JJ Redick has publicly criticized the Los Angeles Lakers following their humiliating 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. This defeat marks L.A.’s third consecutive loss and the sixth in their last ten games, raising alarms about the team’s commitment to professionalism.
Redick did not hold back, stating, “We don’t care enough right now,” emphasizing the urgent need for change before their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. “Saturday’s practice—it’s going to be uncomfortable,” he warned, stressing that he is unwilling to endure another 53 games like this.
The Lakers’ performance has been alarming, with Redick pinpointing the lack of effort and execution as critical issues. “The two words of the day were effort and execution,” he said. “When we’ve done both at a high level, we’ve been a good team; when we haven’t, we’re terrible.” This stark assessment comes after a dispirited showing against the Rockets, who led by double digits throughout the second half.
In a game that saw Luka Doncic return from injury, the Lakers struggled immensely, with the Rockets out-rebounding them 48-25. Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points but also recorded a team-high six turnovers. Redick’s comments echo a growing concern among players about their overall commitment, particularly after previous losses.
“I don’t know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change,” Doncic admitted post-game, highlighting the urgency of their situation. “Everybody has got to give better effort, starting with me.”
As the Lakers grapple with their declining performance, they also face injury concerns. Austin Reaves left the game with calf soreness and will undergo an MRI. His status moving forward remains uncertain, compounding the team’s challenges as they approach a critical juncture in the season.
While key players like LeBron James scored 18 points, his performance was overshadowed by a poor plus-minus rating of -33, marking one of his worst outings as a Laker. James, along with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, declined to comment after the game, leaving teammates like Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to voice concerns about team chemistry.
LaRavia stated, “It might be a disconnect right now,” while Vanderbilt urged that “certain stuff just needs to be said,” emphasizing the need for tough conversations to improve team dynamics. The Lakers are at a critical crossroads with their season hanging in the balance, and immediate action is necessary.
As the team prepares for their next game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Redick’s call for change resonates with the players and leads to a turnaround.
