JJ Redick criticizes his Lakers after Christmas defeat: "We don't care enough"

The Los Angeles Lakers experienced a bitter Christmas in the NBA. After what could have been a festive day, reality hit the Angelino team hard with a tough 119-96 defeat against Houston Rockets, a result that not only extended their poor streak but also triggered a frontal criticism from their coach, JJ Redick.

It was Los Angeles' third consecutive stumble and the sixth in their last ten games, a worrying sign that led Redick to question the level of commitment within the locker room. The coach was straightforward: for him, the issue is not tactical but attitude. "Right now, we don't care enough," he stated. "We're not doing what is necessary. We're not acting like professionals."

Redick made it clear that the situation cannot continue and anticipated that the next practice will be a turning point. "Saturday is going to be uncomfortable. The meeting is going to be uncomfortable. I'm not going to live through another 53 games like this," he warned, emphasizing that the message will be direct and unfiltered.

The truth is, the game lacked competitiveness. Houston took control from the first quarter, quickly going up by 14 points and never allowing the Lakers to seriously threaten the score. The second half was a walk in the park for the Rockets, while Los Angeles once again showed a lack of intensity and discipline.

Redick explained that the basic requirements – effort and execution – were absent. "When we do both things, we are a good team. When we don't, we are terrible. And today we were terrible from the opening tip-off," he stated.

The poor performance of the Big Three

Early turnovers by Luka Doncic set the tone (three in the first two minutes), and Houston capitalized on every mistake, also completely dominating the rebounding game: 48-25 in total with 17 offensive boards, a statistic reflecting the difference in energy between both teams. The Lakers' losses also share an alarming pattern: all ten defeats this season have been by a double-digit margin.

Redick once again pointed to the individual preparation of certain players —without naming names—, something he had already hinted at after the previous loss to Phoenix. Meanwhile, the infirmary continues to complicate matters: although Los Angeles regained Doncic and Rui Hachimura, they lost Austin Reaves due to calf discomfort, awaiting further medical evaluation.

Doncic finished with 25 points and seven assists, but also with six turnovers. The Slovenian acknowledged the seriousness of the situation: "We've been crushed in the last three games. Something has to change. We all have to discuss it and own it, starting with me."

LeBron James, on the other hand, scored 18 points, but it was one of his toughest nights statistically: the team was outscored by 33 points while he was on the court, his worst differential during his time with the Lakers.

With Sacramento as the next opponent, Los Angeles enters a phase of mandatory self-critique. Redick has already delivered the message: without commitment, there will be no progress. Now it's up to the locker room to respond.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, JJ Redick critica a sus Lakers tras la derrota de Navidad: "No nos importa lo suficiente"