The Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day loss did more than extend a losing streak. Right from the start, cracks in how things are built begin to show up early on. From there, weak defense slips in more than once each night. Execution wobbles without warning; timing never quite locks in. Games begin slowly, like clockwork, every single time. These patterns repeat until they stain nearly every match. Coaches mutter behind closed doors. Players shift uneasily when names get called.
Following the Christmas heartbreak, Luka Dončić addressed the team’s situation directly. His remark came after head coach JJ Redick publicly questioned effort and professionalism. Together, the remarks underscored that the problems are not being dismissed as temporary or situational.
Luka Dončić Acknowledges Internal Problems After Christmas Loss
Speaking to reporters on December 25 via postgame media availability, Dončić admitted the Lakers are facing unresolved issues that require direct conversation and accountability.
In the post-game conference, the legend revealed what’s on his mind. “I don’t know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change,” Dončić said.
Luka Doncic: "I don't know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change…We got to figure out, that's the thing we have [to do]. Everybody got to talk about it. I know JJ said it's going to be uncomfortable. As [it] should be." pic.twitter.com/43M3CYQfEx
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 26, 2025
He further continued, “We’ve got to figure it out; that’s the thing we have to do. Everybody has to talk about it. I know JJ said it’s going to be uncomfortable. As it should be.”
The comments aligned closely with Redick’s assessment earlier that night. Redick cited effort and execution as the defining problems in the loss, stating that the team has not consistently made the necessary professional choices. Dončić’s response reinforced that message without deflecting responsibility.
From a performance standpoint, the Lakers’ issues were measurable. They failed to lead at any point during the game, surrendered 17 offensive rebounds, and allowed 24 second-chance points. Defensive rotations broke down early, and turnovers in the opening minutes contributed to another double-digit deficit.
Dončić ended the game with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, but his impact slowed down as the game progressed. He scored all of his points in the first three quarters and was held scoreless in the fourth. The Lakers were outscored heavily during his final minutes on the floor.
Falling short left Los Angeles at 19 wins and 10 defeats, hitting a skid they hadn’t seen all year. Over half of that slide included blowouts past the 20-point mark, sparking questions when facing tough, fast-moving teams.
Fans Poured In Mixed Reactions As Luka Doncic Comments Went Viral
Many fans have shared their thoughts right after Doncic’s comments went viral.
A fan said, “Just come back to Dallas. There, fixed it.”
Another fan said, “They don’t defend the pick and roll – at all. Teams score at will on a simple play.”
One fan blamed the legend and remarked, “He’s one of the main culprits. Playing horrible defense. And failing to run back.”
Another said, “Y’all know dam well it’s labum that’s f**kin y’all up tell his old a** to retire.”
Another fan said, “No defense…team not good enough at 3s to compete offensively.”
Looking ahead, Redick confirmed the team will hold a full practice ahead of Sunday’s game against Sacramento. He stated that the session will focus on accountability and execution rather than recovery.
Dončić’s comments suggest alignment with that approach. While no immediate changes were outlined, the acknowledgment signals that the Lakers view their current issues as systemic rather than situational.
