Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed his disappointment with the team’s recent performance, particularly their lackluster defensive effort in the 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat. In that game, they managed to corral just 36 of 88 rebounds.
Lakers Open Invitation Failed To Inspire
In an attempt to spark more physicality, Redick granted his players permission to commit three off-ball fouls in the second half. However, the team failed to reach that threshold, highlighting their passivity on the defensive side. The LA Times Dan Woike tweeted this Reddick quote in response;
“How about this for an indictment on the Lakers’ defensive toughness: Pregame, JJ Redick said he told his team they were allowed to commit three off-ball fouls in the second half against Miami. “We didn’t reach that quota,” he said. Challenged them again to be more physical”
Redick’s post-game comments were equally critical, highlighting the team’s lackluster performance. Even franchise legend Magic Johnson acknowledged that it was one of the worst showings in franchise history. “I’m embarrassed for the Lakers. They were down 32 points to the Miami Heat 105-72 at the end of the third quarter,” Johnson wrote on X.
The Lakers, who started the season with promise, have recently struggled, losing seven of their last 10 games. As a first-year head coach, Redick is determined to address these issues and ensure that the team maintains a high level of intensity and focus.
As the team looks to turn things around, Redick will be hammering home the importance of physicality and defensive intensity. With LeBron James suffering a foot injury recently doesn’t bode well for the Lakers
