JJ Redick Blasts Lakers After Christmas Loss

The Lakers hit a rough patch after a 119 to 96 loss to the Rockets on Christmas, their third straight defeat and a fall from a 15 and 4 start to 4 wins and 6 losses in their last 10. Coach JJ Redick blasted the effort, saying "we don't care enough" and promising practice will be "uncomfortable" because "I'm not doing another 53 games like this." Their defense sits 25th while the offense is seventh, leaving little room for error. Merlin sees a team of bright pieces held together by thin glue. LeBron is showing his age and Austin Reaves matters more than ever. The roster can still be an elite offense when everyone is healthy and locked in, but Redick's public rebuke is a test of leadership and chemistry. The next practices will tell whether this wakes them up or widens the crack.