Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has delivered one of his most honest assessments yet about why the team has struggled to maintain consistency this season. Rather than deflecting blame or hiding behind injuries and scheduling challenges, Redick directly addressed the core issues holding the Lakers back — and outlined how he plans to fix them.
Speaking after a recent loss, Redick emphasized that the Lakers’ biggest problem is not effort, but execution. Despite having elite talent led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the team has failed to sustain discipline on both ends of the floor. According to Redick, small mistakes — missed rotations, poor shot selection, and lapses in transition defense — have repeatedly turned competitive games into frustrating losses.
Redick pointed out that the Lakers often start games well, but struggle to maintain structure as the game progresses. “We’re not losing because we lack talent,” he explained. “We’re losing because we’re not consistently doing the little things that win games in this league.” That blunt admission signals a shift in tone from the coaching staff, one that places accountability squarely on execution rather than circumstance.
Defensively, Redick highlighted breakdowns in communication as a major concern. The Lakers have allowed too many open looks from three-point range and have been slow to recover in pick-and-roll situations. While the roster is built with size and experience, Redick admitted that defensive chemistry has not developed as quickly as expected.
Offensively, the issue is balance. With LeBron and Dončić commanding defensive attention, the Lakers should be generating efficient looks for role players. Instead, Redick noted that spacing and timing have been inconsistent, leading to stagnant possessions and forced shots late in the shot clock. “We have to trust the pass and trust the system,” he said, making it clear that star power alone will not carry the team.
Redick also acknowledged that adapting to new roles has been challenging for several players. Adjusting rotations and defining responsibilities is an ongoing process, especially on a roster with championship expectations. However, he stressed that excuses are no longer acceptable. “At some point, it has to translate to winning basketball,” Redick stated.
Looking ahead, Redick outlined his plan to address these issues. The coaching staff will place greater emphasis on film study, defensive drills, and situational basketball in practice. Lineups may continue to evolve as Redick searches for combinations that offer better defensive stability and offensive flow.
Despite the struggles, Redick remains confident that the Lakers can turn things around. He believes the team’s problems are fixable — but only if players fully commit to discipline, communication, and consistency. “The margin for error in the NBA is small,” Redick said. “If we clean up our details, we’ll be exactly where we want to be.”
For a franchise measured by championships, Redick’s honesty may be uncomfortable — but it could be exactly what the Lakers need.
