JJ Redick has never been one willing or able to hide his true feelings after games.
If Redick is upset about how the Lakers played, it is very evident. That may manifest itself in what he says or it could be in the brevity in which he answers questions.
Following Thursday’s blowout loss to the Rockets on Christmas, the third straight loss for LA, it was definitely the former of those options.
Redick lit into the Lakers from the jump of his press conference, including some brutal honesty.
Redick is basically just saying the quiet part loud. It’s only become more and more clear in recent games that the Lakers’ issues, while partially a roster-construction issue, have also been an effort issue. Defensively, this has been abundantly obvious as player after player has been escorted to the front of the rim over the last week.
In the Lakers’ last two games, they’ve been outscored 130-98 in the paint, an indication of how badly they’re losing the battle around the rim each night.
So, what’s the solution for these problems? Well, some uncomfortable truths on Saturday, it seems.
Well damn!
So, it certainly seems like changes are coming. And if you didn’t believe it after those quotes, then watch this video, particularly the ending, and have the point nailed home.
JJ has had his anger simmering over the last week. After Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, his fury was directed at the officials. But on Thursday, he made it clear that, officiating be damned, the Lakers are responsible for the mess they’re in.
The cushion built by the team early in the season when things were clicking is allowing them to go through this low point and still remain firmly above the play-in race. But the gap between them and the Warriors in seventh place is shrinking.
It’s well past time for the Lakers to have some very honest conversations.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
