Overview
- Los Angeles fell 119-96 to Houston on Christmas for a third straight blowout, dropping to 19-10 as the Rockets dominated the glass 48-25.
- JJ Redick questioned his team’s professionalism, called the Lakers a “terrible basketball team,” and scheduled an uncomfortable meeting and practice, saying, “I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
- Luka Dončić backed the need for a shake-up, saying something must change and that difficult conversations are warranted to raise effort.
- Forward Jake LaRavia said there might be a disconnect and urged a sit-down with the coaching staff to address accountability and direction.
- Reaction was swift, with ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins accusing Redick of deflecting blame, while CBS Sports analysis shifted attention to GM Rob Pelinka’s roster construction and the need to add energy with the trade deadline about a month away.