Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the team’s 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, noting early struggles and Charlotte’s hot shooting. “The second quarter offensively wasn’t great. We didn’t get off to a great start. We were fairly organized, just weren’t able to create any advantages,” Redick said.
Redick also reflected on the team’s adjustments with Luka Doncic. “When Luka got back in, we should have got him to the post. That’s what we were trying to do with our ATOs, but we scored 16 in the second half. We had a 120 offensive rating… but either missed shots or didn’t create an advantage.”
He addressed Charlotte’s shooting, particularly LaMelo Ball’s 27 second-half points. “They made some ridiculous shots. You’re going to have certain breakdowns in your defense,” Redick explained.
Defensively, he admitted the Lakers struggled with Charlotte’s drivers. “Against certain teams with dynamic drivers, Hornets included, we can be a little cautious guarding the ball. If we do get beat off the dribble, then we’re in rotation. I thought our low man was awful all night. We’re scared of the drive and too far off the body.”
Redick also praised Charlotte’s offensive pedigree. “That’s a good offensive team. They had 150 against Utah and blew out OKC at OKC. We all knew they got our full respect and attention pregame,” he said.
The Lakers coach noted his team’s resiliency despite the blowout. “I thought our team fought. Another team had a hot shooting night. Obviously, they’ve been number one offensively the last 11, 12 games. We kept fighting and played some really good basketball,” he said.
On handling younger, high-paced teams like the Hornets, Redick added, “They do a great job with a lot of pace. When the game started we covered that well, but they went to small pick-and-rolls and at times made ridiculous shots. We changed coverages three times tonight. We’re trying.”
Redick’s remarks highlighted both the offensive firepower of the Hornets—led by Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges—and the Lakers’ difficulties in executing defensive rotations and creating post advantages despite strong individual performances from Doncic (39 points) and LeBron James (29 points, 9 rebounds).
