The Los Angeles Lakers still can’t find their way out of a funk. They are now on a three-game losing streak after suffering a 118-106 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic on the road Monday night.
The energy was simply not there for the Lakers in the eyes of Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick.
“We’ve got to get back to who we are, focusing on that,” Redick said following the game, per the Associated Press (h/t NBA.com). “I think because of the lack of court time, prioritizing rest over shoot-arounds and walk-throughs over the last couple of weeks, we’ve just developed some really bad habits defensively. That came to fruition.”
Los Angeles Lakers are getting lit up on defense
The Lakers had a good start, as they had a four-point lead at the end of the first quarter. But they were outscored in each of the next three periods. Los Angeles was particularly punished by the Magic on the defensive end. Orlando shot 53.5 percent from the field in the second half and committed only two turnovers.
Defense has been an issue of late for the Lakers. They have allowed an average of 127.3 points in their last three games, the worst in the league over the same stretch. Teams have also shot 52.1 percent from the floor against Los Angeles in that span.
The Lakers will look to end their slump on Wednesday when they continue their road trip with a matchup versus the red-hot Indiana Pacers.
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