Overview
- Los Angeles fell 119-96 to Houston on Christmas for a third straight blowout loss, dropping to 19-10 and 4-6 over the past 10 games.
- JJ Redick blasted his team’s professionalism, calling the Lakers a “terrible basketball team,” and scheduled an uncomfortable film session and practice for Saturday before facing the Kings.
- Luka Dončić backed the push for change, saying everyone must give better effort and that it should start with him.
- Forward Jake LaRavia said there might be a disconnect and welcomed accountability as the team prepares for Redick’s meeting.
- External reaction split: ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins questioned Redick’s accountability, while analysis pointed to GM Rob Pelinka’s roster choices and a 48-25 rebounding deficit vs. Houston as evidence of an athleticism gap.