It’s been a sobering week for the Los Angeles Lakers. After starting their five-game road trip with promise, they’ve gone just 1–2, including two blowout losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder. The 121–92 defeat in OKC was particularly brutal — at one point, the Lakers trailed by nearly 40. Head coach JJ Redick didn’t sugarcoat his assessment afterward, acknowledging that the team’s current form simply isn’t up to standard.
Redick Keeps It Real About the Lakers’ Struggles
“I think you have to look at the big picture, and you have to look at where your team is at right now,” Redick said after the loss. “I don’t think it has been a great road trip for us, just in terms of how we’ve played. In the second half against Charlotte, I liked everything I saw. But the Atlanta game and tonight, I don’t think were reflective of who the group is going to be, but it’s clearly who the group is right now. So we’ve gotta course correct.”
That honesty reflects a growing concern around this team. The Lakers have lacked physicality, struggled to defend the perimeter, and committed costly turnovers — 19 against Atlanta, 20 against OKC. Both games spiraled out of control early, and without LeBron James on the floor, their defense has lost its edge.
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LeBron’s Return Could Be the Spark LA Needs
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The one piece of good news? Help is coming. Before the Thunder game, Redick revealed that LeBron completed his first full 5-on-5 scrimmage with the South Bay Lakers and “looked good.” His return could happen as soon as next week — a massive boost for a team that’s lost its rhythm without him.
LeBron’s presence won’t solve everything, but it will restore balance and leadership to a group that’s shown flashes of greatness but little consistency. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves carrying heavy offensive loads, the Lakers need their full roster to steady the ship before this slide becomes something more dangerous.
The Lakers’ season isn’t in crisis — yet. But as Redick put it, they must “course correct” soon. Because for a franchise with championship aspirations, moral victories and explanations aren’t enough anymore.