The Lakers’ December struggles were not just about injuries or stats. What frustrated JJ Redick most was the breakdown of structure. Most alarming, the team repeatedly failed to run after-timeout plays that should be automatic for a veteran roster, exposing focus and preparation issues rather than talent limitations.
That crisis reached a breaking point over the weekend, and James ensured it remained public. After HC voiced how badly the Lakers failed in those moments, James responded with blunt accountability, then backed it up with immediate improvement on the floor.
LeBron James Sounds Off on Lakers’ ATO Failure
The issue became public after Friday’s loss, when JJ Redick revealed that the Lakers botched eight of their 12 after-timeout sets. On Saturday, Redick said the lack of carryover from film sessions, practices, and shootarounds was what concerned him most. These were not schematic failures. There were execution errors in controlled situations.
Redick explained that after-timeout plays are the clearest indicator of focus because every player knows the action, spacing, and timing in advance. When those possessions break down, it reflects attention to detail more than basketball IQ.
The response came immediately. On Sunday night against Memphis, the Lakers executed all but one after-timeout play in a 120–114 home win. Redick pointed to that improvement as tangible progress, especially after a stretch where the team repeatedly lost organization late in games.
LeBron James addressed the issue directly after the win, reinforcing Redick’s message rather than softening it.
“That’s unacceptable,” James said Sunday.
The Lakers flubbed eight ATOs on Friday, according to JJ Redick.
“That’s unacceptable,” LeBron James said.
Sunday, after the team was called out Saturday, Redick said they only messed up one.
“Guys hear it, take full responsibility … and then make that 180 change,” James said pic.twitter.com/CplP5AAbe7— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 5, 2026
Further added, “Those are the types of mistakes that when you’re a young player, you’re running wind sprints for. Guys hear it, take full responsibility, and then come in and make that 180 change right away.”
James’ comments followed one of the Lakers’ more disciplined performances in weeks. Luka Dončić finished with 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. James added 26 points and 10 assists. More importantly, the Lakers stayed organized defensively, holding Memphis to 49 second-half points despite trailing for much of the first three quarters.
Redick also highlighted improved intent across the roster, noting that while a few possessions broke down, the overall execution level was significantly higher than in recent games. The Lakers communicated better, stayed connected defensively, and avoided the mental lapses that had defined much of December.
As James emphasized, winning at a high level starts with mastering the simplest details. Sunday showed the Lakers can respond. The next games will show whether the correction sticks.
