Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
16h ago

Lakers Push Defensive Reset After Redick Challenges Stars

Dončić acknowledged the message following the improved showing in Phoenix.

Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots a three pointer against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the final seconds of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) goes to the basket against Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) and forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) and center Deandre Ayton (5) defend during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Despite an 18-7 record, Los Angeles sits around 20th in defensive rating and has struggled on opponent threes and early-game stops.
  • JJ Redick led a pointed film session and team meeting urging LeBron James and Luka Dončić to raise their defensive engagement.
  • Dončić said the critique was warranted and pledged better starts, pointing to the Suns game as the standard to meet.
  • In Sunday’s 116-114 win at Phoenix, the Lakers held the Suns to 15 third-quarter points and gained a spark from Jarred Vanderbilt’s energetic minutes.
  • Before Thursday’s visit to Utah, Deandre Ayton was ruled out with left elbow soreness, Austin Reaves remains sidelined with a calf strain, and Gabe Vincent is listed as questionable.