JJ Redick emphasized consistency and competitiveness after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 125-101 on Sunday night at crypto.com Arena. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak and marked the first time this season the Lakers won all four quarters.
“We played together. We played for each other,” Redick said postgame. “We had probably one of our most consistent games in terms of 48 minutes of just competitive spirit.”
Redick pointed to improved focus despite a brief lapse late in the third quarter. “A couple possessions there towards the end of the third that we tried to be the Harlem Globe Trotters,” he said, “but this is the first game we’ve had all year that we’ve won all four quarters.”
The head coach noted a simplified offensive approach as a key adjustment. “We simplified our offensive package,” Redick said, adding that fatigue briefly impacted execution early in the fourth.
Rotation management also drew attention, especially with Luka Doncic and LeBron James sharing staggered stretches. “It gives more time for those guys to sort of be the quarterback without the other one,” Redick said.
Redick stressed that staggered minutes do not mean separation in scheme. “We ran a lot of stuff for them to be in two-man action for them to be part of the play together tonight,” he said.
Defensive execution stood out during a 13-2 run to open the third quarter. “There was a cover mentality tonight that we haven’t had,” Redick said, pointing to improved scrambling and five-man engagement.
“It’s really just five guys at all times on every possession engaged,” he added. “That’s the north star of how we try to build a good defense.”
Redick also credited communication, calling it a focal point after recent struggles. “The very first thing that we all sat down yesterday and graded ourselves on was our habits, our communication, and our shape,” he said.
Nick Smith Jr.’s bench scoring provided a lift with Austin Reaves sidelined. “I said before the game he’s helped us win two games prior to tonight,” Redick said. “He helped us win tonight.”
Redick emphasized structure over freedom for the young guard. “If he can just do him within our structure, a lot of times good things happen,” he said.
The coach also praised Deandre Ayton, who recorded a double-double. “He really has been as consistent as anyone on our team with his play and his approach,” Redick said.
“He’s had a great season for us,” Redick added, highlighting Ayton’s short-roll touch and passing. “For a guy that size he’s just got great touch in that sort of six to 10 foot range.”
Redick closed by underscoring the growing partnership between Doncic and James. “For our team to be at our best, that partnership and chemistry has to be excellent,” he said.
