Overview
- Houston thumped Los Angeles 119-96 on Christmas, the Lakers’ third straight defeat and fourth loss in six games.
- JJ Redick blasted his team’s effort and execution, saying, “we don’t care enough,” warning an “uncomfortable” practice is coming, and adding he won’t coach “another 53 games like this.”
- Recent defensive form has cratered, with the Lakers ranked near the bottom in defensive rating over the last two weeks and surrendering 59% shooting, 41% from three and 12 offensive rebounds in the 132-108 loss to Phoenix.
- Marcus Smart urged teammates to correct the slide, saying opponents are “coming to try to kill us” and that players must supply help, resistance and urgency to fix breakdowns.
- Reporting indicates the front office is evaluating perimeter defensive upgrades before the Feb. 5 deadline, with Herb Jones atop a wish list and Keon Ellis among potential targets.