Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 134-93 defeat to the Miami Heat, head coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words in his post-game press conference.
Redick expressed his embarrassment over the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for accountability and improvement.
“I’m embarrassed. We’re all embarrassed,” Redick said. “It’s not a game I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism… I own this, but need some ownership on the court as well. There’s not a sense from me that we’re together right now.”
JJ Redick after Lakers loss:
“I’m embarrassed. We’re all embarrassed… It’s not a game I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism… I own this, but need some ownership on the court as well. There’s not a sense from me that we’re together right now.” pic.twitter.com/6lzXpKw0Ou— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) December 5, 2024
Redick pointed out specific areas where the Lakers fell short, including poor decision-making and a lack of defensive intensity, while also stressing the need for better execution and focus.
The Lakers are currently facing a challenging period in their season. Despite having a roster filled with talent, the team has encountered several obstacles that have led to a series of disappointing performances, having suffered significant defeats in their last two games, with a combined loss margin of 70 points.
They were first defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-80, followed the crushing 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. These losses have highlighted several underlying issues within the team.
A major area of concern for the Lakers has been their offense. Anthony Davis pointed out that the team’s offensive rhythm has been inconsistent, leading to issues with spacing and execution. The Lakers have scored 105 or fewer points in five of their last six games, a stark contrast to their season average of 114 points per game. This dip in offensive production has made it difficult for the team to keep up with high-scoring opponents.
Despite showing some improvement in their defensive play, the Lakers have struggled to maintain consistency. Their game against the Miami Heat was particularly problematic, as they allowed the Heat to outscore them 72-15 from 3-point range. This significant differential is one of the largest in NBA history and not only underscores the Lakers’ defensive lapses, but also their issues with the three-point shooting.
As the Lakers navigate through this rough patch, the focus will be on addressing these key issues and finding ways to improve both offensively and defensively. The team’s leadership, led by LeBron James and head coach JJ Redick, will be crucial in making the necessary adjustments to get back on track.
