Lakers' Luka Doncic, JJ Redick Rip Officiating After Pistons Loss

Merlin sees the Lakers lost 128 to 106 at home to Detroit, and both coach JJ Redick and Luka Dončić pointed to the physical officiating and Detroit's aggressive defense. Redick said "They're going to foul every possession. It's just, you got to play through it." The Pistons forced 21 turnovers and scored 30 points off them, a swing that fueled L.A.'s fourth loss in five games and left the team with a record of 20 wins and 11 losses. Without Austin Reaves for at least a month the Lakers are missing his scoring and playmaking. Dončić had 30 points but eight turnovers, and LeBron must lift his production. Merlin thinks cleaner ball handling and tougher on ball defense are the spells that will steady them. If those adjustments come, the slide ends quickly. If not, the thin margin in the West could shove them into a play in spot.