In his first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick has made one thing abundantly clear: defensive effort and accountability are non-negotiable. This stance was evident following a humiliating 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat, a performance that exposed glaring deficiencies in the team’s defensive
strategy and effort. Redick, visibly frustrated emphasized the importance of toughness and communication, warning his players that those failing to execute on defense would find themselves benched.
The Lakers’ defensive issues are well-documented and among the worst in the league. They rank 24th in steals per game (7.5) and 25th in blocks per game (4.4), highlighting their inability to disrupt opposing offenses or provide adequate rim protection. These numbers reveal a lack of activity and cohesion on the defensive end, painting a picture of a team struggling to maintain intensity. Furthermore, the Lakers are allowing opponents to score an average of 15.0 second-chance points per game, placing them 26th in the league. Their struggles extend to transition defense and protecting the paint, where they rank 28th in both fast-break points allowed and points surrendered inside.
Such statistics underscore the team’s failure to master defensive fundamentals, including boxing out and effective communication. Redick has tried to address this, encouraging his team to embrace a more physical style of play. During the second half of the Heat game, he instructed his players to commit three off-ball fouls to disrupt Miami’s rhythm. Shockingly, the team fell short of this simple directive, committing only eight fouls throughout the game. This lack of aggression left Redick fuming, as he continues to push his players to exhibit more grit and determination.
The blowout loss to the Heat was not an isolated incident. Over their last five defeats, the Lakers have lost by an average margin of 26 points, including a 41-point drubbing by Miami, a 29-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a 27-point collapse against the Phoenix Suns. These performances have raised serious concerns about the team’s cohesion and resilience.
After a promising start to the season, the Lakers have lost six of their last eight games, dropping to a 12-10 record. The recent skid has placed added pressure on Redick to instill a defensive mindset capable of reversing the team’s fortunes. For Redick, it’s not just about improving defensive numbers—it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and toughness. This focus is particularly crucial given the leadership of veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, whose buy-in is essential for the team’s success.
Redick’s approach is designed to avoid the development of bad habits that could derail the Lakers’ playoff aspirations. He understands that consistent defensive effort is the backbone of championship-caliber teams. His insistence on physicality, communication, and accountability reflects a larger goal: to transform the Lakers into a team that thrives on grit and resilience. For Redick, the message is simple—defense is not optional, and the road to success starts with effort on that end of the floor.
