Critics put forward the idea that Lebron James, who did not start the season to fully recover from a nerve issue on his right leg, might mess up the good things they got going. James joined the team on November 18 when they were 11-3 and led them to a win over the Utah Jazz. They went 8-4 after that.
How is it going so far? The past two weeks has been not that kind to them as they lost their third straight, the last one during the Christmas slate and it was a blowout at that.
LBJ played well in that stretch but for JJ Redick, the issue is more of a system problem rather than just one person.
“Since we’ve gotten Bron back, we haven’t been as organized offensively. Too many random possessions,” he said during Saturday practice.
“That’s on me. It’s those 3 things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.”
The first one in a the three things he mentioned is an obvious problem. According to NBA.com, they are 26th (118.1) in the league’s defensive rating.
The last three losses were all by double digit. They allowed the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets to shoot above 50 percent. Los Angeles Clippers still beat them up badly even if they shot just 42 percent on the field.
Lebron James is silent through all this
Lakers had a two -day practice. Redick had a reflection and thought he should hold himself accountable, too.
Players responded positively, too. Both Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton said they should commit more to the system.
“Holding my guys accountable, especially starting with me,” Ayton said as quoted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“No matter how the game is going, we stick to these principles no matter what. … This is how we’re going to play on defense — hard and [with] second efforts.”
James was also in the practice but he was not available for comments. Is he not worried? According to NBA great and former teammate Dwyane Wade, he is not bothered by what’s going on.
John Wall and Dwyane Wade on how LeBron should feel about JJ Redick comments on the teams effort
Wall: Im in year 23 im giving you my best. Be realistic what more do you expect from me
Wade: LeBron on his golf simulator right now. He’s not worried about this
(via @NBAonPrime) pic.twitter.com/Co1GoyG278
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 27, 2025
Lakers’ next game is against the Sacramento Kings and Eastern Conference’s no. 1 team Detroit Pistons.
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