Overview
- Los Angeles fell 119-96 to the Rockets on Christmas for a third straight lopsided loss, dropping to 19-10 after a 15-4 start.
- JJ Redick blasted his team’s professionalism and effort, calling them a “terrible basketball team” and scheduling an “uncomfortable” film session and practice on Saturday.
- Luka Dončić backed the message, saying “something needs to change” and that an uncomfortable reset is warranted after consecutive blowouts.
- Austin Reaves exited with a calf injury and is reported to have a Grade 2 strain with an expected absence of about four weeks, thinning an already struggling rotation.
- Criticism of coaching and front-office decisions intensified, with Kendrick Perkins calling for Redick’s accountability, analysis faulting roster construction, and insider Kevin O’Connor suggesting trades are likely.