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

Los Angeles Lakers experienced a bitter Christmas in the NBA. After what could have been a festive day, reality struck the Los Angeles team hard with a tough 119-96 defeat against the Houston Rockets, a result that not only extended their poor streak but also triggered a harsh critique 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 rather attitudinal. "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, anticipating that the upcoming training session will be a turning point. "Saturday is going to be uncomfortable. The meeting will 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 game itself lacked competitiveness. Houston took control from the first quarter, quickly establishing a 14-point lead and never allowing the Lakers to seriously challenge the score. The second half was a stroll for the Rockets, while Los Angeles once again displayed a lack of intensity and coherence.

Redick explained that the basic requirements of effort and execution were notably 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 affirmed.

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, completely dominating the rebounding game: 48-25 overall and 17 offensive boards, a stat reflecting the difference in energy between the two teams. The Lakers' defeats also share a troubling pattern: all ten losses this season have been by a double-digit margin.

Redick also pointed again 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 issues, pending further medical evaluation.

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

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

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

This 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"