Mon Dec 29 03:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a decisive 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, exposing glaring defensive weaknesses. Coach JJ Redick expressed his disappointment with the team’s effort and execution, particularly highlighting the poor defensive performance of the starting lineup, especially the trio of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The Rockets capitalized on second-chance points, fast breaks, and easy shots, with all five starters scoring early. The Lakers’ inability to defend the perimeter, secure defensive rebounds, and prevent points in the paint contributed to the defeat. Austin Reaves’ calf injury further complicated matters, and Redick questioned the commitment of some players to defense. The article suggests a roster recalibration may be necessary to address the team’s defensive woes.
News Article:
Lakers’ Christmas Calamity: Rockets Expose Defensive Deficiencies in Crushing Loss
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day was anything but merry, as they were dismantled by the Houston Rockets in a 119-96 defeat that exposed alarming defensive shortcomings. Coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words following the loss, lambasting his team’s lack of effort and execution on the defensive end.
From the opening tip-off, the Rockets relentlessly attacked, with all five starters – Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün – finding the net early. Houston exploited second-chance opportunities and fast breaks, leaving the Lakers’ defense scrambling. Redick was forced to call an early timeout to try and stem the tide, but to no avail.
The Lakers’ starting lineup, featuring guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, and center Deandre Ayton, struggled to contain the Rockets’ attack. The trio of Dončić, James, and Reaves has been particularly ineffective defensively this season, and their struggles were on full display.
Reaves’ recurring left calf issue sidelined him for the second half, further compounding the Lakers’ problems. The Rockets continued their onslaught, scoring at will and dominating the boards.
“The two words of the day were effort and execution,” Redick stated after the game. “When we haven’t, we’re a terrible basketball team, and tonight we were a terrible basketball team.”
The Lakers’ defensive woes extend beyond a single game. They struggle to defend the three-point line, allow a high field goal percentage, and struggle to secure defensive rebounds. With the team struggling defensively, and questions arising about the commitment of some players, Redick faces an uphill battle as the Lakers look to salvage their season. A roster shakeup to prioritize defensive play may be in order.
First Piper 