The Los Angeles Lakers' journey post-NBA All-Star break has been anything but smooth. With a 1-3 record in their last four outings, the spotlight is now firmly on their defensive struggles-a persistent issue throughout the season. Their recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, despite facing a depleted roster, has intensified scrutiny on head coach JJ Redick.
Initially hailed as championship contenders, the Lakers' narrative has shifted. While their star-studded lineup keeps them in discussions, their defensive shortcomings are too glaring to ignore. Ranked 24th in defense, their offensive prowess isn’t enough to balance the scales, leaving them with a concerning -0.7 net rating.
The matchup against the Suns, who were missing key players Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, seemed like a prime opportunity for the Lakers to bounce back. Instead, they found themselves in a nail-biter, ultimately falling short when Suns forward Royce O’Neale sank a decisive three-pointer with just 0.9 seconds left on the clock.
The finger-pointing has begun, with superstar Luka Doncic receiving some of the blame for the defensive lapses. However, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has directed his criticism towards Redick, urging him to step up and galvanize the team.
Perkins' comments on ESPN’s First Take were pointed: “JJ got more excuses than a brother going to jail. It’s time for you to coach.”
The pressure of coaching in a high-stakes market like Los Angeles is immense, and Redick, once celebrated as a promising rookie head coach, now faces the heat. While player effort on the court is beyond his direct control, instilling motivation and a winning mindset is where Perkins believes Redick has fallen short. This has sparked speculation about potential roster changes.
Perkins didn’t hold back on the Lakers' roster dynamics either, questioning the viability of relying on Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic as cornerstone max players. The uncertainty surrounding LeBron James' future with the team adds another layer of complexity, especially as the 41-year-old remains one of their defensive stalwarts.
While Redick bears some responsibility, the construction of the roster under Rob Pelinka’s watch also comes into question. The upcoming offseason promises to be pivotal, potentially reshaping the Lakers' trajectory and hopefully steering them towards a brighter future.