The L.A. Lakers walked into the Intuit Dome needing momentum. Instead, they walked out with questions. A tight Western Conference race leaves no room for sloppy offense, and head coach JJ Redick made sure everyone knew it after a 112–104 loss to the L A Clippers.
This was not just another regular-season defeat. The Lakers erased a huge deficit and gave themselves a chance late, but their offense stalled when execution mattered most. Redick did not first talk about missed shots. He talked about trust. And then he pointed directly at the player who controls the ball more than anyone else, Luka Doncic.
JJ Redick Calls Out Lakers’ Lack Of Trust After Clippers Loss
Redick opened his post-game press conference with a blunt review of his team’s performance. “We just didn’t trust each other on the offensive end. Not enough passing,” he said while addressing reporters inside the arena. His message stayed consistent. The Lakers did not move the ball, and that broke their offense.
JJ Redick says the Lakers are SELFISH:
"Didn't trust each other on the offensive end. Not enough passing"
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) January 23, 2026
Then he made it personal, but not emotional. He made it about responsibility. “There’s got to be a trust factor with all our guys. Just trust the pass. That starts with Luka,” Redick said in the same press conference. He explained that Doncic faces double teams and crowded lanes every night, which means quick decisions matter. “He’s going to have the ball the most out of everyone, and he’s got to trust the pass when it gets to him.”
The numbers tell one story. The flow of the game tells another. Doncic finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, but he also shot 11-of-27 from the field and 3-of-13 from three. Redick’s point was simple. Production does not equal connection. The Lakers score better when the ball moves early, not late.
With Redick’s stance viral, many fans reacted:
A fan said, “Translation: Luka Doncic was selfish and folded like a paper plane in clutch time.”
Another folk said, “Then the highlights next to him are Luka passing to everyone 😆.”
One more fan said, “That’s what happens when you have ball hogs who chase everything.”
Another person said, “The playoffs will be a nightmare for him to coach holy shit.”
Another said, “Tough but needed assessment.”
This matters right now. The Lakers sit in the middle of the playoff fight, and chemistry shapes close games. Redick’s words sent a message across the locker room. Talent alone will not carry this group. Trust will. And now, all eyes turn to Doncic to set that tone.
