Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed his team’s 112-104 loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night, emphasizing defensive lapses and a lack of offensive trust.
“Just a poor job of just defensive coverage execution. And then just didn’t trust each other on the offensive end. Not enough passing,” Redick said.
He highlighted a specific moment where Rui Hachimura was isolated against a Clipper for nearly 15 seconds. “Yeah, I mean again, our group has shown that in flashes that we can do it. So much of that comes down to the offensive end and whether you’re passing the ball to each other.”
Redick also discussed decision-making versus coverage by opposing defenses. “Yeah, probably just a little bit of everything. There’s got to be a trust factor with all our guys just to trust the pass. That starts with Luka. He’s going to have the ball the most of everyone. He’s got to trust the pass.”
The coach connected the offensive struggles to the human element of the team. “Guys are worried about their futures, and that’s what happens when you got a team full of free agents and player options. You can get in your head a little bit. It’s a human thing, not anybody’s fault.”
Redick acknowledged defensive improvement in the second half. “I think it was just defensively again. Another really good defensive half from us. Pulling them to under 50. Some of the stuff we tried early was better in the second half, but it starts with execution.”
He emphasized the importance of effort and execution on both ends. “You have to be up to touch. Then once you’re up to touch, let’s have some effort. Rui’s play was a great example of effort and pride on the ball. Vando was great in the second half. We played small. We battled on the defensive glass.”
Regarding LeBron James’ performance, Redick noted, “For what seems like the 20th straight game, he emptied the tank and gave us everything he had.” He also addressed Deandre Ayton’s eye issue, saying it seemed to bother him at times but he handled it well.
The Lakers fell to 26-17 while Luka Doncic led the team with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, and LeBron added 23 points. The Clippers improved to 20-24, fueled by Kawhi Leonard’s 24 points, marking his 23rd straight game with at least 20.
