Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick conducted what team sources described as an “anticlimactic” meeting Saturday following three consecutive blowout losses, emphasizing “recalibration and reconnection” rather than confrontation with players and staff.
The meeting focused on Redick accepting responsibility and establishing clearer priorities after promising an “uncomfortable” session following the Christmas night loss to the Houston Rockets.
Redick identified three key areas requiring immediate attention: defensive clarity, role clarity, and offensive organization. The coach acknowledged his system has struggled since LeBron James returned from injury.
“Priority number one for me – role clarity. I think since we’ve gotten (LeBron James) back, we haven’t been as organized offensively. Too many random possessions. That’s on me,” Redick said.
The Lakers have posted the league’s worst defensive rating since December 1. They’ve lost six of 10 games this month while dealing with inconsistent rotations and execution.
The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves for at least four weeks due to a Grade 2 calf strain. The injury further depletes a roster already managing rotation challenges during their recent struggles.
“Yeah, it’s tough, especially – I know calf injuries. It’s not a joke,” Rui Hachimura said. “(Reaves) has to take care of that first. But the team here, of course, we’re gonna miss him, his energy and what he brings offensively.”
Hachimura compared the situation to the team’s early-season stretch without James, when the Lakers were forced to find production from different sources.
The meeting revisited championship habits and communication standards established at training camp. Players and coaches engaged in two-way dialogue about necessary adjustments.
“We kind of reviewed it again and tried to make sure everybody understands what’s (the) meaning (of) this and that (in) more detail. So, I think it was a good meeting,” Hachimura said.
Some tension remains visible. James, Marcus Smart, and Luka Doncic all declined media availability after Saturday’s practice, though Hachimura dismissed concerns about team chemistry heading into Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.