The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of a rough stretch, and the cracks are starting to show. They've dropped six of their last 10 games, and it’s not just about missed shots or cold streaks - it’s a deeper issue, especially on the defensive end. Opponents are finding ways to exploit the Lakers' lack of cohesion on that side of the ball, and it's becoming a recurring theme.
The frustration boiled over after a 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. Head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back postgame, saying bluntly that his players “don’t care enough” about doing what it takes to win.
That’s a strong statement, especially coming from a coach who’s still relatively new to the sideline but clearly isn’t afraid to challenge his team publicly. It speaks to the urgency - and the disappointment - surrounding this Lakers squad right now.
And if the on-court issues weren’t enough, they’ve now taken a major hit with the loss of Austin Reaves. Reaves, who had just returned from a calf strain, didn’t play in the second half of that Christmas Day game due to renewed soreness in the same leg. After undergoing an MRI on Friday, he’s been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain and is expected to miss at least four weeks.
That’s a tough blow. Reaves has been one of the Lakers’ most consistent and dynamic contributors this season.
He’s averaging 26.6 points and 6.3 assists per game while shooting a scorching 50.7% from the field and a solid 36.5% from deep. Those aren’t just good numbers - they’re All-Star caliber.
He’s been a spark plug offensively, someone who can create his own shot, make plays for others, and keep the Lakers in games when things bog down.
Without him, the Lakers are going to be tested. Even at full strength, this team hasn’t looked like a top-tier offensive unit - and that’s with LeBron James still playing at a high level and Anthony Davis anchoring both ends of the floor.
Reaves has been the glue guy, the connector, the one who can swing the momentum with a timely bucket or a smart pass. Now, they’ll have to find that production elsewhere.
And here's the bigger issue: this team doesn't have the defensive backbone to make up for missing offense. When the shots aren’t falling, they’re not locking down opponents to stay in games. That’s a dangerous combination, especially in the Western Conference, where the margin for error is razor-thin.
The next month without Reaves is going to be telling. Will the Lakers respond to Redick’s challenge?
Can they tighten up defensively and find a way to stay afloat while one of their top performers is sidelined? Or will this stretch expose even deeper flaws in a roster that, right now, looks more vulnerable than expected?
There’s still time to turn things around - but the clock is ticking.