JJ Redick, in his first season as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has made it clear that lackluster defensive effort will not be tolerated. Following a humiliating 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat, Redick emphasized the importance of accountability and toughness, delivering a strong message to his players: if they fail to communicate or help on defense, they’ll find themselves on the bench.
“You take them out of the game.”
The Lakers’ defensive problems are deeply troubling and multifaceted, contributing significantly to their recent struggles. They currently rank 27th in defensive rating at 117.7, one of the worst in the league, underscoring a lack of cohesion and effort on that end of the floor. In terms of activity, the team is ranked 24th in steals per game (7.5) and 25th in blocks per game (4.4), reflecting minimal disruption of opponents’ offensive flow and insufficient rim protection.
The issues don’t stop there; the Lakers are allowing opponents to score 15.0 second-chance points per game, placing them 26th in this category. Additionally, they struggle mightily in transition and the paint, ranking 28th in fast-break points allowed and 28th in points surrendered inside. These troubling metrics point to a team failing to execute the basics of defense, from boxing out to effective communication, leaving them exposed against stronger opponents.
The Heat game highlighted the Lakers’ defensive woes. Redick revealed that he had given his players a directive to commit three off-ball fouls in the second half to increase their physicality and disrupt Miami’s rhythm. Shockingly, the team didn’t meet that quota, committing just eight fouls the entire game. The lack of effort and aggression clearly left Redick fuming, as he’s demanded more toughness from his squad.
The Lakers’ defensive issues have been particularly glaring during their recent skid. Over their last five losses, the average margin of defeat has been a staggering 26 points. Specific blowouts include a 41-point loss to the Miami Heat, a 29-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a 27-point loss to the Phoenix Suns. These performances have sparked concerns about the team’s cohesion and resilience on the defensive end.
Redick’s insistence on holding players accountable comes at a crucial juncture. After a promising start to the season, the Lakers have lost six of their last eight games, falling to 12-10 overall. Redick’s directive to prioritize physicality and communication is not just about improving defensive numbers but also about instilling a culture of toughness and accountability.
His approach is aimed at avoiding the development of bad habits that could derail the team’s playoff aspirations. This is especially vital given the presence of veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, whose leadership and buy-in are critical for the team’s success.
For the Lakers to climb out of their defensive slump, they must embrace Redick’s message and show greater commitment on both ends of the floor. The talent is there, but defensive effort and communication must become non-negotiable. Whether Redick’s tough-love approach will resonate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Lakers’ margin for error is shrinking rapidly.