Overview
- After blasting the team’s effort on Christmas, JJ Redick led a lengthy meeting and practice he called a day of recalibration and reconnection while saying he looks in the mirror first.
- Redick reiterated three priorities going forward: defensive clarity, role clarity and better offensive organization following recent slippage.
- He said staff evaluations of lineup data have led to decisions on next steps, with outside voices urging more minutes for defensive specialists and a potential move of Rui Hachimura to the bench.
- Austin Reaves is expected to miss about four weeks with a left calf strain, creating a vacancy that could expand opportunities for Marcus Smart and other defenders.
- LeBron James and Marcus Smart declined to speak with reporters after practice, and the 19-10 Lakers enter Sunday on a three-game skid highlighted by defensive lapses and rebounding woes.