After a disappointing 115-103 loss to the Detroit Pistons (3-5) in Little Caesars Arena, Detroit on November 4th, Los Angeles Lakers (4-3) head coach JJ Redick was visibly frustrated in the post-game press conference. Known for his straight-shooting style, Redick didn’t hold back in his analysis, particularly about the Lakers’ lackluster start and the continued expectations placed on star big man Anthony Davis.
Reflecting on the Lakers’ sluggish opening, Redick pointed out the need for a heightened sense of pride and commitment to defense.
“I would say if there was one thing, we just need to start the game with a little more just pride defensively. I thought our effort and just fight in the second half was really good, that third quarter defensively was… I think some ways just a blueprint for what wasn’t perfect but in terms of effort was really good.”
Redick addressed the expectations surrounding Davis, noting how people are always demanding more from him.
“The guy can have 30 and 12 and people want more from him. … It’s just always been a thing with him when he’s been with the Lakers. That’s a fact.”
The Lakers have been struggling on the defensive end, as JJ Redick pointed out. They currently rank 25th in the league in defensive rating (117.6) and their rim protection has been subpar, placing them 26th in blocks with only 4.0 per game, and they’re 25th in steals, averaging 7.1 per game.
Fast-break defense has been a glaring weakness, with the Lakers allowing a league-high 20.7 points on the break. Additionally, they’re giving up 54.3 points in the paint per game, ranking 27th in that category. Rebounding is another concern, as they’re only securing 41.6 boards per game, placing them 26th in the league.
Against the Pistons, the Lakers had a tough time from the opening tip, quickly falling behind by 20 points and spending most of the game trying to claw their way back. Although they managed to narrow the gap to 6 points in the fourth quarter, the team couldn’t sustain the momentum. The Lakers were ultimately overwhelmed, failing to close the game on a high note. This loss marked their third of the season, a setback for a team aiming to establish itself as a Western Conference powerhouse.
Anthony Davis, as usual, was the Lakers’ standout performer, delivering an impressive 37 points and 9 rebounds while shooting nearly 60% from the field. Despite his stellar outing, Davis couldn’t singlehandedly carry the Lakers to victory. After a solid performance, he was forced to exit late in the game with a lower leg injury, a worrying development for the Lakers and their fans.
LeBron James also contributed with 20 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, though he struggled to find his rhythm. In the final minutes, he attempted to lift the team in Davis’s absence but fell short. Austin Reaves added 17 points, while Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell had quieter outings, combining for just 19 points on subpar shooting.
One glaring issue for the Lakers was their lack of depth scoring. The bench contributed a mere 10 points, underscoring the need for consistent production from their second unit. The Lakers bench is the worst in the league adding only an average of 18.9 points per game.
Redick has emphasized the importance of role players stepping up, and this performance serves as a reminder that the Lakers need to build a more balanced offense.
The Lakers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 6th at 8:00 PM EST, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. Redick’s post-game comments and the team’s loss against the Pistons highlight the importance of defensive intensity and bench support.
As they continue their road trip, Redick’s message is clear: pride and attention to detail, especially on the defensive end, will be crucial if they want to turn things around.
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