In what should have been a confidence-boosting win, the Lakers’ hard-fought but messy victory over the Toronto Raptors left head coach JJ Redick feeling more embarrassed than celebratory. Despite the win, Redick was reportedly disappointed by the team’s performance, calling out a lack of cohesion and focus that made the game far tougher than it needed to be. Here’s a look at Redick’s reaction, and what LeBron James and Anthony Davis had to say about the team’s shaky win.
1. JJ Redick’s Post-Game Reaction: Frustration Despite the Win
While a victory is always a positive, Redick’s reaction highlighted his high expectations for the Lakers’ play. “We didn’t play up to our potential; this game was harder than it needed to be,” Redick stated, alluding to turnovers, defensive lapses, and inconsistent energy levels throughout the game. Redick’s post-game comments reflected his belief that the Lakers need to bring their best effort in every game, especially if they aim to compete with top teams down the stretch.
2. Lack of Execution and Consistency
Redick emphasized that the team’s inconsistency on both ends of the floor was the biggest issue. “We were sloppy in execution, and that’s something we can’t afford, even in a win,” he remarked. Redick specifically pointed to a string of turnovers and poor shot selection that allowed Toronto to stay in the game. His frustration indicates that he’s not just looking for wins but for a disciplined and reliable style of play that the Lakers have yet to fully establish.
3. Defensive Breakdowns and Communication Issues
One of the recurring themes in Redick’s comments was the Lakers’ defensive breakdowns. Toronto exploited gaps in the Lakers’ defense, often finding easy paths to the basket or open shots from the perimeter. Redick has been focused on making defense a staple of the Lakers’ identity, and seeing his team struggle to maintain defensive focus clearly hit a nerve. He mentioned the importance of communication, indicating that players need to take responsibility for their defensive assignments and show better teamwork on that end.
4. LeBron James & Anthony Davis’s Take on the Win
LeBron and AD echoed some of Redick’s sentiments, with LeBron acknowledging that the win wasn’t the Lakers’ best showing. “We pulled through, but it’s about playing cleaner basketball,” LeBron noted, highlighting that the team can’t rely on talent alone to secure victories. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of defensive consistency, saying, “If we’re going to make a real run, we need to be locked in for 48 minutes.” Both stars seem aligned with Redick’s desire for improvement, showing that they’re committed to meeting his high standards.
5. Turning This ‘Ugly Win’ into a Lesson
While Redick was disappointed, he also sees the value in learning from this type of win. He reportedly spoke to the team about using this game as motivation to improve, stressing the importance of accountability and focus. Redick’s message was clear: while the win counts, the performance needs to improve if the Lakers want to achieve their larger goals.
6. What’s Next: The Need for Urgency and Discipline
Redick’s reaction suggests that the Lakers might see more tactical changes in the coming games, particularly on defense. Expect Redick to focus on tightening up rotations, emphasizing communication, and potentially making adjustments to ensure that players bring consistent energy. The coaching staff is likely to drill down on these fundamentals in practice, hoping that this game serves as a wake-up call for the entire roster.
Conclusion
JJ Redick’s disappointment in the Lakers’ performance, despite the win, highlights his commitment to setting a high standard for the team. Both he and the Lakers’ star duo understand that “ugly wins” won’t cut it if they want to be serious contenders. The real test will be how the Lakers respond in the upcoming games, using this experience as a stepping stone to play more disciplined, cohesive basketball.
