The Los Angeles Lakers’ hopes of securing a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder were dashed on Tuesday night after a sequence of events that turned the tide in the Thunder’s favor. Despite a strong performance by LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers fell 136-120.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick was candid about the game, especially the pivotal moment when Luka Doncic was ejected early in the fourth quarter. With the score close at 107-108, Doncic’s ejection for arguing with a courtside fan changed the momentum. Redick revealed that he had not yet received a full explanation for the ejection but suggested it was related to comments made toward a fan.
“Apparently he said something to a fan – that’s all I could gather,” Redick explained in his postgame remarks. “It’s tough because we played really well defensively in that third quarter, but then didn’t get off to a great start in the fourth.”
The Lakers were hanging on after a solid defensive third quarter, but their lack of ball handling in the fourth proved costly. Redick noted the challenges of managing the game with the loss of a key player, especially with the added pressure of back-to-back games.
“Trying to manage on the front end of a back-to-back – games that we need to win, everybody’s minutes,” Redick added. “I was kicking myself; I could have called a timeout earlier to get LeBron back into the game, but that’s on me.”
Despite the loss, Redick pointed to the Lakers’ fight as a positive takeaway from the game. Los Angeles was able to weather multiple challenges, including a fast-paced start from the Thunder, and even managed to take a brief lead in the third quarter.
“I think our guys’ fight and spirit – withstanding a bunch of haymakers in that first half and continuing to play, then coming out and really playing awesome defense for 12 minutes – it was a great game that unfortunately didn’t get to finish out the way every basketball fan would want because of some decision-making on some individual’s parts.”
Redick also discussed the adjustments made by the Thunder after their loss to the Lakers just days prior. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 42 points, led Oklahoma City’s offensive charge. Redick credited the Thunder for their fast play in the first half, which allowed them to establish a lead.
“Oklahoma City was really focused on attacking early, even when they missed shots. They came out fast – especially Shai,” said Redick. “The first play of the game – Shai just going downhill. They played a lot of coverage with Hartenstein, mixed in some blitzing and a couple of reds here and there, but mostly played coverage with him.”
While the Lakers struggled defensively in the first half, Redick’s decision to pair Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden Ivey in the third quarter helped bring a physical presence to the game. Both players contributed to a better defensive effort, particularly with rebounding.
“Sometimes that combination is really good; sometimes it’s not because it’s harder to space the floor that way. But with how the game was going, it was good to give that look. I thought Vando was awesome, particularly in the second half,” Redick stated.
Though LeBron James struggled early with turnovers, he found his rhythm as the game progressed. Redick praised James for his tenacity and aggressive mindset as the Lakers tried to mount a comeback.
“LeBron was awesome as the game went on – his attack mode, good mentality just attacking the basket,” Redick said. “But we just couldn’t hold on in the fourth.”
The Lakers will need to regroup quickly as they face the Mavericks on Wednesday, in what will be Doncic’s first meeting with his former team in Dallas since being traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers in February. With just three games remaining in the regular season, every contest is crucial as the Lakers try to lock in their playoff position.
