Disappointing Defeat for the Lakers
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, with a final score of 132-108, marking their first back-to-back losses of the season. Head coach J.J. Redick noted the stark contrast in performance after halftime, as the Suns scored on their first 13 possessions, effectively dismantling the Lakers’ hopes of a comeback.
Offensive Efficiency vs. Defensive Struggles
Despite playing without superstar Luka Doncic, who is crucial to their offense, the Lakers have demonstrated a solid offensive efficiency this season, rated at 116.2 points per 100 possessions in Doncic’s absence—placing them at an impressive 11th in the league. However, Redick’s criticism centered around his team’s defensive struggles, as they currently sit in the bottom tier of the league in defense, irrespective of whether Doncic is playing.
Coach’s Reflections
Redick, reflecting on the game, remarked on the Lakers’ sluggishness, describing their performance as akin to being “stuck in mud.” He expressed concerns over the team’s defense, particularly their commitment to making the necessary efforts.
When directly questioned about the roster’s defensive capabilities, Redick stated bluntly that the team lacks players who consistently excel in that area.
Importance of Making the Right Choices
He further emphasized the importance of making the right choices throughout the game, noting, “It comes down to just making the choice… There are shortcuts you can take or you can do the hard thing and you can make the second effort… But can you make the vast majority of them correctly?”
Looking Ahead
Upcoming for the Lakers is a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. This game will garner national attention, partly due to the star power of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but the outcome may very well be determined by which team can better execute their defensive strategies, especially since the Rockets have encountered their own struggles on that front lately.
