Jake LaRavia reflected on Los Angeles’ defensive struggles in their 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. “I think we just lacked physicality a little bit, effort. They were getting a lot of second chance rebounds and I don’t know how many points they got off second chance, but they were getting a lot of extra possessions,” he said.
LaRavia pinpointed the second and third quarters as critical. “The second and third quarter is when they scored. Yeah. Majority 38 and 45, which is, you know, unacceptable obviously. We just got to be better. That’s all it is. We’re, you know, regroup and get ready for the next game,” he added.
On player accountability, LaRavia emphasized individual responsibility. “Even the same with, you know, the coaches can only say so much. Players can only say so much to each other as well. At the end of the day, each individual guy that steps onto the court has to know what their job is and do their job at the end of the day.”
LaRavia acknowledged the challenge of consecutive losses for the first time this season. “Yeah, that’s pretty good. Us being able to bounce back is definitely a thing that you have to be able to do in this league. Now that we’ve dropped two consecutive games, we just got to regroup and focus on this Christmas Day game,” he said.
The forward also expressed excitement about playing on Christmas Day. “I think it’s going to be really fun. I just remember growing up watching the Christmas Day games and how cool the environment was. Now being able to play in a Christmas Day game with the Lakers, you know, nonetheless, very excited for it.”
Looking ahead to Thursday’s matchup against Houston, LaRavia highlighted the need for a physical approach. “This is 100% going to be one of those games where we have to come out and be the more physical team from the jump. They have a huge lineup. Obviously they got a lot of guys that crash, create extra possessions for their team. A lot of talented players on that team. So we just got to, you know, collectively come in as a unit and just play together on both sides of the ball.”
LaRavia reflected on the personal significance of the game for fans and family. “For my eyes, I’m going to view it as just another game, but you know it is a Christmas Day game and only a select few teams get to do that. So I’m just very excited for this opportunity.”
Phoenix improved to 16-13 with the victory, led by Dillon Brooks’ 25 points and Devin Booker’s 21 points and 11 assists. The Lakers dropped to 19-9 without Luka Doncic, with LeBron James scoring 23 points and Austin Reaves adding 17 off the bench.
