NBA news: JJ Redick slams Lakers’ effort after brutal Christmas Day loss
Is the Lakers’ poor defense holding them back? | Herd
Luka Dončić scored 35 points and LeBron James scored 19 points. However, it was not enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup. Colin Cowherd asks if the Lakers’ lack of defense is holding them back.
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The Los Angeles Lakers entered their second season under head coach JJ Redick and their first with star guard Luka Dončić looking to improve after last year’s early playoff exit.
Even though just over a third of the NBA season is complete, the Lakers have had some ups and downs this year. The Lakers struggled with inconsistency after getting off to a 15-4 start. In Thursday’s prime time matchup, the team failed to live up to Redick’s expectations.
The Houston Rockets defeated the Lakers 119-96 on Christmas Day. Redick left the game after Los Angeles lost its third straight game, questioning his team’s effort and professionalism.
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick calls a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on December 25, 2025. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“We don’t care enough right now,” Redick said. “That’s the part that bothers you the most. We don’t care enough to do the necessary things. We don’t care enough to be professional.”
Redick’s harsh criticism comes amid the Lakers’ 4-6 record in their last 10 games. Los Angeles failed to cut the second-half lead to single digits against the Rockets, prompting Redick to call out his team’s lack of execution.
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“The two words of the day were effort and execution,” Redick said. “And I think when we do both of those things at a high level, we’re a good basketball team. When we don’t, we’re a terrible basketball team. And tonight, we were a terrible basketball team. And that legitimately started right away.”
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on December 25, 2025. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
Redick also decided to make Saturday’s practice “uncomfortable” for the Lakers ahead of Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead late in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Target Center in Minneapolis. (Matt Blewett/Imagn Images)
Dončić, who led the team with 25 points on Thursday, shared similar sentiments with Redick and called for change.
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“I don’t know what needs to change, but something definitely needs to change,” the five-time All-Star said. he said. “I think we [were] We had a blast in the last three matches. It looks absolutely awful. We just need to talk about it. Everyone needs to talk about this. I know JJ said it would be disturbing. [for everybody]. As it should be. Everyone needs to make more effort, starting from me.”
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