The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot.
On one hand, they continue to rank high within a tough Western Conference. On the other hand, they don’t seem to be kidding themselves about who they are and where they are as a team, heading into January.
On Christmas Day, the Lakers had an opportunity to show the basketball world that they are truly one of the league’s top contenders. They were defeated by a wide margin against the Houston Rockets.
As expected, the masses piled on with takes that suggested the Lakers aren’t good enough to win it all this year. One NBA analyst went as far as bluntly stating that moves are going to be made.
“Trades are coming in Los Angeles,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor wrote on X.
“Just a matter of who and when. Without them, this team has no chance of winning a title this year. That much is obvious after watching the Lakers as of late and listening to what JJ Redick said postgame.”
JJ Redick Lays Into the Lakers
Redick is as outspoken as they come. Although NBA head coaches tend to keep their true thoughts internal, Redick has used his platform with the media to send a brutally honest message to his team. His Christmas night rant was a clear signal that changes are coming.
“We don’t care enough right now,” Redick told reporters. “And that’s the part that bothers you a lot. We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don’t care enough to be a professional. Saturday’s practice, I told the guys it’s going to be uncomfortable. The meeting is going to be uncomfortable. I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
Redick doesn’t make roster decisions for the Lakers. Therefore, when the head coach talks about changes being made, it doesn’t guarantee a shuffle is coming. The message has been made clear, and O’Connor believes the front office will be acting with urgency before the February deadline.
What Could the Lakers Look At?
It’s clear the Lakers are in search of a 3-and-D target. Since the market is still forming less than one month after the December 15 key date, the Lakers are still getting a grasp on the possibilities.
While the Lakers don’t seem to be a confident contender at this moment, they remain in a solid position. With a 19-10 record, Los Angeles is fourth in the West, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are still within the playoff picture.
But the three-game losing streak is a sign of weakness, and the Lakers recently suffered a critical setback. Austin Reaves, who left Thursday’s game early, will miss at least four weeks of action. With that injury, and Redick’s public cry for help, the Lakers have a lot to think about as December winds down.
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