Overview
- The Lakers dropped their third straight blowout, 119-96 to the Rockets, falling to 19-10 after being outrebounded 48-25 and posting one of the league’s worst recent defensive stretches.
- JJ Redick questioned his players’ professionalism, vowed an “uncomfortable” film session and practice, and said he would not tolerate the same level of play for the remaining 53 games.
- Luka Dončić echoed the need for change, and Jake LaRavia acknowledged a possible locker-room disconnect that the team hopes to address in the planned meeting.
- Austin Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf strain and is expected to miss about four weeks, a setback as Los Angeles opens a four-game homestand.
- Reaction spilled beyond the locker room, with Kendrick Perkins criticizing Redick’s public callouts and multiple analyses arguing roster construction under GM Rob Pelinka has left the team short on athleticism and energy ahead of a trade deadline a little over a month away.