Luka Doncic, self-critical of his level against the Lakers: "We need to try harder, starting with me"

Luka Doncic assumed the responsibility of leading the reconstruction of Los Angeles Lakers after the tough Christmas defeat against Houston Rockets. Following the public criticism from coach JJ Redick, Doncic made it clear that he understands the urgency of the situation and the need for an immediate change within the team in the NBA.

“I don’t know what needs to change, but something definitely has to change,” he said after the game, where he scored 25 points. “We have to figure it out. We all have to talk about it. I know JJ said it’s going to be uncomfortable… and it should be.”

The Lakers (19-10) suffered a humiliating 119-96 home defeat on Christmas Day against the Rockets (18-10) who dominated from start to finish. It was the team's third consecutive loss and the sixth in the last ten games.

As has been the case in recent games, defense proved to be the main issue once again. Houston had six players with over 13 points, including Amen Thompson with 26, while Los Angeles was outrebounded by a decisive 48-25, reflecting a lack of intensity and collective commitment.

Doncic stressed that the team must take responsibilities, starting with himself: “We have to talk about it. It will probably be uncomfortable, but we all have to push ourselves more, starting with me,” he stated. “We all have to challenge each other: ourselves and our teammates. We shouldn’t be playing like this. We have to be better.”

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The Absence of Austin Reaves

With Austin Reaves facing a potential extended absence due to a calf injury, the pressure on Doncic and the locker room increases even more. The Lakers will need to react quickly if they do not want the rough patch to turn into a major crisis.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luka Doncic, autocrítico con su nivel en los Lakers: "Hay que esforzarse más, empezando por mí"