LOS ANGELES — Any festive mood the Lakers may have had on Christmas Day quickly disappeared after a crushing 119–96 home loss to the Houston Rockets. The defeat marked Los Angeles’ third straight loss and their sixth in the last 10 games, prompting head coach JJ Redick to openly question his team’s professionalism.
Redick did not hold back in his postgame assessment, saying the Lakers lack urgency and accountability. He stressed that the team is not doing the small but essential things required to compete and described their approach as unprofessional.
The situation has become serious enough that Redick said it must be addressed immediately, starting with an intense and uncomfortable practice and team meeting on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings. He made it clear he has no intention of letting this level of performance continue.
The Lakers were out of the game early against Houston. The Rockets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the entire second half. Redick pointed to effort and execution as the main issues, explaining that when the team performs well in those areas, they are competitive — and when they don’t, they are poor. Against Houston, he said, the problems began almost instantly.
Luka Dončić, returning after missing time with a left calf contusion, struggled early, committing three turnovers in just over two minutes. Houston capitalized on those mistakes and dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Lakers 48–25, including 17 offensive rebounds.
All 10 of the Lakers’ losses this season have come by double figures. After a similar blowout loss to Phoenix earlier in the week, Redick had already raised concerns about player commitment and preparation, even referencing unnamed players who appeared unfamiliar with basic team concepts. He reiterated those concerns after Thursday’s loss, again suggesting that certain players consistently fail to make the necessary effort.
Injury issues continue to compound the Lakers’ problems. While Dončić and Rui Hachimura returned to the lineup, Austin Reaves exited at halftime due to soreness in his left calf — the same injury that recently sidelined him for three games. Reaves is scheduled for an MRI, and his availability going forward remains uncertain.
Dončić finished with 25 points and seven assists but also had a team-high six turnovers. After the game, he admitted major changes are needed, acknowledging how bad the recent performances have looked. He agreed with Redick’s tough approach and emphasized that improvement must start with himself.
LeBron James scored 18 points, but the Lakers were outscored by 33 points during his minutes on the floor — his worst plus-minus as a Laker and one of the poorest of his career, according to ESPN data.
James, Hachimura, and Marcus Smart declined to speak with the media postgame, leaving role players Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt to address the team’s struggles. LaRavia suggested there may be a disconnect within the group and stressed the need to refocus quickly.
Vanderbilt, who provided a positive spark off the bench, said the team has reached a pivotal point in the season. He emphasized the importance of honest communication and difficult conversations, noting that unresolved issues cannot be allowed to linger as the Lakers try to prevent the slide from continuing.
