The Lakers didn’t just lose to the Suns on Tuesday night - they got run off the floor. A 132-108 defeat that exposed more than just a gap in talent or effort. For head coach JJ Redick, it was a mental lapse on defense that really lit the fuse.
Redick didn’t name names, but he didn’t have to. His frustration was clear as he pointed to a breakdown in defensive communication that speaks to a bigger issue within the rotation.
“We had a guy the other day, who hasn’t played a lot, who didn’t know what a flood was, in the middle of a game,” Redick said postgame. “So when we’re not healthy, we clearly have some room to grow in that area.”
That’s not just a throwaway comment - that’s a coach sounding the alarm. When a player doesn’t recognize a basic defensive concept like a flood (a common help-side coverage), it’s not just about one missed assignment. It’s about readiness, preparation, and the ability to execute under pressure - especially when the team’s depth is already being tested by injuries.
And make no mistake, the Lakers are hurting right now. Luka Doncic missed the game with a calf contusion.
Rui Hachimura sat out with right groin soreness. Gabe Vincent is still dealing with lower back tightness.
Then, to make matters worse, Jaxson Hayes rolled his ankle and logged just five minutes before heading to the locker room for good.
JJ Redick calls out one of his players: “We had a guy the other day, who hasn’t played a lot, who didn’t know what a flood was, in the middle of a game. So when we’re not healthy, we clearly have some room to grow in that area.” pic.twitter.com/ooIBe56eOh
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 24, 2025
That’s a lot of missing pieces. And while it’s easy to point to the injury report, Redick’s message was clear: the standard doesn’t drop just because the roster is thin. If anything, the margin for error gets smaller - and that’s where defensive awareness becomes non-negotiable.
Over their last 10 games, the Lakers are giving up 121.6 points per night - good for 25th in the league during that stretch. They’ve gone 5-5 in that span, but the numbers don’t lie: this team is struggling to get stops.
And it’s not just about effort or hustle. It’s about knowing where to be, when to rotate, and how to cover for each other when things break down.
That’s why Redick’s postgame comments hit differently. He’s not just frustrated with a bad night - he’s pointing to a systemic issue.
When players are thrown into the fire due to injuries, they have to be mentally locked in. Knowing the terminology, understanding the schemes, recognizing the moment - that’s what separates a competitive team from one that just treads water.
Now, the Lakers don’t have much time to lick their wounds. They’re heading back home for a high-profile Christmas Day showdown with the Houston Rockets - a team with the same 17-10 record and plenty of young firepower.
Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, and all eyes will be on how this Lakers squad responds.
Redick’s challenge is clear: tighten the screws defensively, get the next man up ready to play, and restore some identity on that end of the floor. Because if the Lakers want to survive this stretch - let alone contend - the learning curve has to steepen fast.