TITLE: Redick Criticizes Lakers’ Effort After 23-Point Defeat, Warns of “Uncomfortable” Changes
SLUG: redick-criticizes-lakers-effort-after-23-point-defeat
CONTENT:
Lakers head coach JJ Redick questioned his team’s professionalism following Thursday night’s 123-100 loss to the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles’ third straight defeat.
“We don’t care enough right now,” Redick told reporters at Crypto.com Arena. “I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
Early deficit, lopsided rebounding
Houston surged ahead by 14 in the first quarter and never relinquished a double-digit cushion. The Rockets dominated the glass 48-25 and collected 17 offensive rebounds, a disparity Redick cited as evidence of poor effort and execution.
Recent skid intensifies urgency
Los Angeles has dropped six of its last 10 contests and sits three games above the Western Conference play-in line. After a 24-point loss to Phoenix on Tuesday, Redick warned that Saturday’s practice “is going to be uncomfortable,” adding that the upcoming team meeting would be equally challenging.
Key players struggle or sit
Luka Dončić, back from a lower left leg contusion, turned the ball over three times in the first 2:11 and finished with six giveaways. LeBron James posted a minus-33 in 32:26, his worst plus-minus rating since joining the Lakers and the third worst of his career.
Rui Hachimura returned from a two-game absence caused by a groin strain, while Austin Reaves exited at halftime with calf soreness and is scheduled for an MRI on Friday. Off the bench, Jarred Vanderbilt supplied 11 points and five rebounds.
Calls for accountability
“Something needs to change,” Dončić said. “Everybody has to give better effort, starting with me.” Vanderbilt echoed that sentiment, stressing the necessity of “hard conversations” before Sunday’s home matchup with the Sacramento Kings.
Source: Hoops Rumors
