The Los Angeles Lakers have been under the microscope this season, and things haven’t exactly gone as planned. With high expectations surrounding the team, especially given the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have struggled to find consistent success. In recent weeks, their form has worsened, leading to speculation about what’s going wrong.
Basketball analyst and former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick recently addressed the Lakers’ struggles, shedding light on key issues that have plagued the team since LeBron James’ return from injury. Redick, known for his sharp basketball IQ and straightforward analysis, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Lakers’ flaws.
The Lakers’ Rollercoaster Season
The Lakers entered this season with hopes of contending for a championship. With LeBron James defying age and Anthony Davis playing at an elite level, expectations were high. However, inconsistency, injuries, and questionable roster decisions have kept the team hovering around the middle of the Western Conference standings.
Before LeBron’s injury, the Lakers were already struggling with issues such as three-point shooting, defensive lapses, and a lack of depth. James’ absence further exposed these problems. But upon his return, instead of an immediate turnaround, the Lakers have continued to falter, leaving fans and analysts puzzled.
JJ Redick’s Take on the Lakers’ Struggles
Redick, who has transitioned into media following his playing career, has been vocal about the Lakers’ issues. Speaking on his podcast and other platforms, he pointed out several key factors contributing to the team’s underperformance.
1. Poor Defensive Effort
One of the biggest concerns Redick highlighted is the Lakers’ lackluster defense. Earlier in the season, the team showed glimpses of being a top defensive unit, anchored by Anthony Davis. However, since LeBron’s return, their defensive intensity has noticeably dropped.
“Their rotations are off, their closeouts are lazy, and they’re allowing way too many easy buckets,” Redick noted. He emphasized that the Lakers’ perimeter defense has been particularly weak, allowing opponents to take open three-pointers and exploit mismatches.
Davis, despite his individual defensive brilliance, has not been enough to compensate for the team’s overall lack of discipline on that end of the floor. Redick also pointed out that the Lakers’ defensive identity seems unclear, making it difficult for them to stop high-powered offenses.
2. Offensive Stagnation and Lack of Cohesion
While the Lakers have two superstars in LeBron and Davis, their offensive sets often look disjointed. Redick criticized the team’s ball movement and spacing, which he believes are holding them back.
“They go through stretches where it’s just isolation after isolation,” Redick said. “When the ball isn’t moving, it makes it easier for defenses to lock in.”
The Lakers’ three-point shooting has been inconsistent, making it harder for them to spread the floor. Without reliable outside threats, defenses collapse on James and Davis, forcing tough shots or turnovers.
3. Roster Construction and Role Player Struggles
Another major issue Redick pointed out is the Lakers’ roster construction. While the team has talented players, the pieces don’t always fit well together.
“There’s a lack of consistent shooting, and they don’t have enough two-way players who can contribute on both ends,” Redick explained.
Key role players like D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have had up-and-down performances, while the Lakers’ bench production has been inconsistent. Redick believes that without reliable contributions from their supporting cast, the burden on LeBron and AD becomes too heavy.
4. LeBron’s Impact and the Adjustment Period
Interestingly, Redick also addressed the challenges that come with integrating LeBron back into the lineup after an injury. While James is still one of the best players in the league, his return sometimes requires an adjustment period for the team.
“When LeBron is out, other guys get more touches and have to step up,” Redick said. “When he comes back, the offense naturally runs through him more, and sometimes it takes a few games to find the right balance.”
He pointed out that the Lakers have struggled to strike this balance, leading to uneven performances.
Can the Lakers Turn Things Around?
Despite their struggles, the Lakers still have time to figure things out. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy, they have the star power needed to compete. However, adjustments must be made if they want to be serious contenders.
1. Improved Defense
The Lakers must rediscover their defensive identity. This means better communication, more disciplined rotations, and stronger efforts from their perimeter defenders.
2. Better Spacing and Ball Movement
To maximize their offensive potential, the Lakers need to move the ball more and create better spacing. LeBron and AD can dominate, but they need shooters around them who can knock down open shots consistently.
3. Role Players Stepping Up
Players like Russell, Reaves, and Rui Hachimura need to step up and provide consistent production. The Lakers can’t rely solely on their stars to carry the team every night.
Final Thoughts
JJ Redick’s analysis highlights the Lakers’ biggest issues and why they’ve struggled even after LeBron James’ return. While they have the talent to be a top team, their inconsistent defense, offensive stagnation, and roster flaws have held them back.
The season is far from over, and the Lakers still have time to make adjustments. Whether they can fix their problems and make a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but as Redick pointed out, the margin for error is shrinking. The Lakers need to find their rhythm quickly before it’s too late
