In his first year as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick is wasting no time setting expectations for defensive effort. After a crushing 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat, Redick delivered a firm message to his team: step up on defense or sit on the bench.
“If they’re not helping on defense, you take them out of the game,” Redick stated bluntly.
The Lakers’ defensive struggles are glaring, ranking 27th in defensive rating at 117.7. The team also ranks poorly in key defensive metrics, sitting 24th in steals (7.5 per game), 25th in blocks (4.4 per game), and 26th in second-chance points allowed (15.0 per game). Their woes extend to transition defense and protecting the paint, where they are 28th in fast-break and interior points allowed.
Redick’s frustration was evident after the Heat game, where he instructed players to commit three off-ball fouls in the second half to disrupt Miami’s rhythm. The team fell short, registering only eight fouls in the entire game, highlighting a lack of physicality and effort.
The defensive lapses have been costly during a rough stretch where the Lakers have lost six of their last eight games, including blowout defeats to the Heat (41 points), Timberwolves (29 points), and Suns (27 points). Over these five losses, the Lakers’ average margin of defeat is a staggering 26 points, raising concerns about cohesion and accountability.
At 12-10 overall, the Lakers’ early promise is fading. Redick’s emphasis on communication, physicality, and defensive effort is about more than improving stats—he’s working to establish a culture of toughness and discipline. With veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the roster, buy-in from the entire team will be crucial for a turnaround.
The Lakers’ talent is undeniable, but Redick’s tough-love approach will test their commitment to winning. Whether they rise to the challenge or continue their defensive slump could determine their playoff trajectory in an increasingly competitive season.
