TITLE: Pacific Division Roundup: Redick Calls for Reset, Ellis Fuels Kings, Westbrook Makes History, Lopez Ignites Clippers
SLUG: pacific-division-roundup-redick-ellis-westbrook-lopez
CONTENT:
Los Angeles — Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned a post-Christmas practice into what he labeled a “recalibration and reconnection” session after the club’s third straight defeat. Rather than assigning blame for recent defensive lapses, Redick told reporters on Saturday that the early-morning meeting centered on listening to players’ concerns.
“For myself, I’m always going to look in the mirror first,” Redick said. “We had a great meeting as a staff, came in super early and met with the players. It was very positive, and it was also listening — listening to what they need.”
Redick pointed to disorganized offense and poor shot selection as additional reasons for the slide, noting that injuries have limited LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Forward Rui Hachimura added, “We talked about everybody — players, coaches. We’ve just got to tighten up.”
Kings Lean on Defense, Westbrook Moves Up All-Time List
In Sacramento, guard Keon Ellis credited collective defense for Saturday’s win over Dallas. Making his third start of the season, Ellis said the Kings avoided “letting go of the rope” when the Mavericks mounted runs. Interim coach Doug Christie inserted a tweaked starting lineup that produced the team’s second victory in three outings.
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook reached another milestone in the same contest, passing Magic Johnson for seventh place on the NBA’s career assists chart. The 37-year-old said he will “keep going until I’ve had enough.”
Lopez’s Long-Range Barrage Keeps Clippers Rolling
Brook Lopez, elevated to the Clippers’ starting unit after Ivica Zubac’s injury, sank nine three-pointers Friday to rally Los Angeles past Portland and extend the club’s winning streak to three. “He can post smaller guys, and when he’s on the perimeter he can make shots,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “If we get the right matchups, we can take advantage of that.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
