The Los Angeles Lakers surrendered 135 points to the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, and head coach JJ Redick said defensive breakdowns were at the heart of the 135-117 defeat at Crypto.com Arena.
“They made some ridiculous shots,” Redick told reporters postgame. “Our low man was awful all night. We were scared of the drive, then too far off the body.”
The loss halted the modest momentum Los Angeles had built after an encouraging performance against the Atlanta Hawks 24 hours earlier. Instead, the Lakers slipped back into the inconsistency that marked the tail end of 2025.
Second-quarter slide proves costly
Los Angeles led early, but an extended offensive drought in the second period allowed Charlotte to seize control. The Hornets never trailed again, shooting efficiently enough that Redick acknowledged the Lakers’ game plan offered little resistance.
Lakers’ perimeter issues persist
Los Angeles hit 14 of 38 attempts from three-point range, a respectable 36.8 percent, yet Redick said long-range shooting continues to be “a theme” for a team that struggles to keep pace when defensive stops are scarce.
The coach added that Charlotte had his team’s full attention, noting prior 150-point and blowout wins the Hornets registered against Utah and Oklahoma City. “They got our full respect and attention pregame, and I thought we fought,” Redick said. “Just another team that has a hot shooting night.”
The Lakers, now looking for answers on the defensive end, face decisions on potential schematic tweaks or roster changes as they try to regain their footing in the Western Conference race.
Source: LakersNation.com
