In a recent post-game press conference, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed deep frustration following his team’s 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks, notably playing without stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, exploited the Lakers’ defensive lapses, leading to a lopsided defeat.
Redick pinpointed the Lakers’ inability to contain isolation plays as a critical factor in the loss. He remarked, “Obviously, they killed us with any iso stuff. We talked this morning just about not giving up iso threes, we gave two up in the first quarter and then tried to press up a little bit and sometimes we did a decent job of containing the basketball. They made some tough twos, and there was a bunch of times we didn’t contain the basketball well.”
This defeat is part of a troubling pattern for the Lakers, who have struggled defensively in several recent games. In a loss to the Phoenix Suns, Redick acknowledged the need to reassess defensive strategies, especially against high-caliber offensive teams. He noted, “We may have to just look at some things defensively, particularly against really good offensive teams about what our overall sort of strategies are.”
The Lakers’ defensive woes have been a recurring theme this season. Following a blowout loss to the Miami Heat, Redick emphasized accountability and toughness, stating that players who fail to communicate or help on defense would find themselves on the bench.
As the season progresses, the Lakers face mounting pressure to address these defensive shortcomings. Redick’s candid critiques underscore the urgency for improved communication, effort, and execution on the defensive end. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to these challenges will be pivotal in determining their success in the highly competitive Western Conference.
