PHILADELPHIA — The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season strongly, but a series of lopsided defeats has raised questions about who they are on the floor. Following a 118-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 7, 2025, head coach JJ Redick acknowledged that injuries and constant lineup changes have prevented the club from settling on a consistent style of play.
“We’re still working it out,” Redick said after the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The coach noted that the roster has endured “a lot of stops and starts,” making it difficult for both players and staff to lock in on a defined approach.
Injuries disrupt rotation
Austin Reaves is projected to miss at least one month with an undisclosed injury, while LeBron James sat out the first 14 contests of the season. Key role players Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes have also shuffled in and out of the lineup. Those absences have coincided with the Lakers dropping four of their last five games and seven of their past 12, each defeat coming by double digits.
Offense stalls, defense slips
The roster was built around an elite offensive trio of Luka Doncic, Reaves and James, coupled with a defense expected to make timely stops. Instead, Los Angeles has struggled on both ends as personnel changes mount. Redick recalled that last season’s squad did not establish its identity until late January and suggested this year’s group could follow a similar timeline.
Looking for answers
Redick described the setback against Detroit as “deflating,” pointing out that the game remained close for three quarters before the Pistons pulled away. With the calendar about to flip to 2026, the coach, his staff and the players face mounting pressure to regain traction before the season slips further from their grasp.
Source: Lakers Nation
