The Los Angeles Lakers closed December with a 5-7 mark, and head coach JJ Redick said recurring lapses in focus and execution remain a chief concern.
According to The Athletic, Redick was frustrated after the club failed to run eight of its 12 drawn-up plays following timeouts in Friday’s win over Memphis. LeBron James echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to master “the simple things” to compete at a high level.
LaRavia’s Defense Shines
Fourth-year forward Jake LaRavia continues to serve as a bright spot. He tallied 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, five rebounds and four assists in Sunday’s victory over the Grizzlies. Redick said Los Angeles coveted LaRavia in free agency for his disruptive metrics, adding that the 24-year-old has been “one of our most consistent guys” on defense.
Ayton Responds After Bench Stint
Starting center Deandre Ayton, benched for the fourth quarter Friday, produced 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in Sunday’s rematch. Redick noted the club made a deliberate effort to feed Ayton early, calling it “a tale as old as time for a big guy” who depends on teammates to deliver the ball.
Injury Updates
Forward Rui Hachimura (right calf strain) will miss at least two more contests and will not travel for the upcoming back-to-back at New Orleans and San Antonio, veteran reporter Mark Medina tweeted.
Guard Gabe Vincent is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game in New Orleans after sitting out eight straight with a lumbar strain, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported.
Doncic Report Disputed
Lakers Daily recently claimed Luka Doncic is experiencing sharp pain in both legs; sources cited by The Athletic disputed that characterization.
Source: HoopsRumors
