JJ Redick Accepts Blame for Lakers’ Late-Game Miscues in 105-101 Loss to Bucks
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he is responsible for the team’s late-game breakdowns that led to Friday’s 105-101 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks, the club’s first clutch-time loss of the season.
After the Lakers erased most of a night-long deficit, both teams traded baskets in the closing minutes. Redick explained that a series of empty possessions and fouls turned the tide, highlighting a sequence in which Luka Doncic fouled Kevin Porter Jr. on a three-point attempt, giving Milwaukee four points from the line.
“We took the lead to go up four and then came up empty on several trips,” Redick said. “We were getting good looks but didn’t score, and then we put them on the free-throw line.”
Timeout Confusion
Redick detailed his decision not to call a timeout before the final possession. He told officials he intended to stop play “make or miss,” but said Doncic’s foul disqualification and subsequent substitutions disrupted the normal process.
“Once it got down to about six or seven seconds across half court, I liked what I saw,” Redick noted. “But I skipped a step in the process, and I’ll take the blame.”
Giannis Seals It
Redick credited Giannis Antetokounmpo for decisive plays down the stretch. The two-time MVP poked the ball away from LeBron James and later blocked the Lakers star at the rim, preserving the Bucks’ four-point margin.
Role Players Emerge
The coach also praised Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes for filling gaps created by Austin Reaves’ absence, emphasizing that successful teams need contributions from nine or ten players.
Friday’s loss drops Los Angeles to 0-1 in games decided in the final five minutes this season. The Lakers face a challenging upcoming schedule as they attempt to regain momentum.
Source: LakersNation.com
