The Lakers’ defensive struggles can’t be pinned solely on their lineup, injuries, or system, but rather on a multitude of small, wrong decisions. Coach JJ Redick emphasized that defense comes down to choices made throughout the game, where some plays require extra effort and quick reactions, but the key is to make the majority of the right decisions to increase the chances of winning.
After suffering a heavy 132-point defeat to the Suns on Tuesday, the Lakers (19-9) have experienced their first back-to-back losses of the season and rank 28th in defensive rating over their last 14 games heading into their Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Without a standout individual defender, the Lakers rely heavily on cohesive team defense, but inconsistent lineups—15 different starting combinations in 28 games—have hampered their ability to build chemistry. The team recently had all 14 standard contract players available for only two games.
Potential returns include forwards Rui Hachimura (groin) and Luka Doncic (foot), while guard Gabe Vincent, a key defensive player, is sidelined with a lower back injury. Center Jackson Hayes injured his left ankle during the loss and couldn’t finish the game.
The Rockets (17-10), also facing difficulties, have lost five of their last seven games, including several close overtime defeats and losses against teams outside playoff contention. Despite their struggles, Houston boasts a potent offense led by Kevin Durant’s 25.2 points per game. They are uniquely slow-paced for today’s NBA but rank third in offensive efficiency, showcasing impressive rebounding prowess, which poses a challenge for the Lakers’ defense that depends on smart, consistent choices rather than just hard effort.
Guard Marcus Smart expressed frustration over the team’s defensive lapses, especially when opponents secure offensive rebounds, highlighting the lack of urgency and resistance. During the loss to the Suns, the Lakers allowed 12 offensive rebounds on 35 missed shots, which contributed significantly to their defensive breakdown. Team leaders like Smart have taken on the responsibility of keeping communication alive and ensuring players stay accountable, even when those messages aren’t easy to hear.
Coach Redick has fostered an approach where players engage with each other during timeouts before coaches intervene, aiming to build leadership and communication—key elements of their “Championship Communication” philosophy. Alongside maintaining “championship form,” Redick encourages the development of “championship habits,” acknowledging that making consistently tough choices is challenging but essential for success.
Redick candidly admitted, “It’s not an easy choice… We often take the comfortable way out, but comfort does not win.”
Fan Take: This deep dive into the Lakers’ defensive woes is crucial for basketball fans because it highlights how winning at the highest level demands relentless mental and physical effort, not just star talent. If the Lakers can learn to consistently make the right choices on defense, they could redefine their season and set a standard that emphasizes team discipline and communication in modern basketball.
