Lakers coach JJ Redick was visibly frustrated after his team suffered a loss in their first game without LeBron James, who was sidelined with a groin injury. Despite having Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the lineup, the Lakers squandered a 15-point first-quarter lead and ultimately fell 111-108 to the Brooklyn Nets, a team bound for the lottery.
Doncic recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists but struggled with his shooting, making just 30.8% of his attempts. Reaves contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, but his shooting performance was even worse at 21.4%.
The Lakers relied heavily on foul hunting and inefficient offensive execution, with role players making difficult shots to keep them in the game. Although they hit 19 three-pointers, their overall energy and effort fell far short of their recent nine-game stretch. Redick did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s offense, particularly Doncic and Reaves, for their missteps.
Here’s what Redick had to say:
“It was a very low-level communication game for our team.”
He continued:
“I don’t think being shorthanded is an excuse for how we played basketball tonight.”
Redick pointed out that the Nets capitalized on offensive rebounds and second-chance points while the Lakers failed to match their intensity, often standing around instead of making plays. He also highlighted the team’s struggles in initiating their offense.
“Just shortcuts,” Redick said. “You want to be a good team, want to win in the NBA, you gotta do the hard stuff. We can’t even pass to each other. We couldn’t enter our offense. Running ball screens at literally halfcourt … I don’t know what we’re doing.”
Doncic and Reaves were the primary ball-handlers, but they frequently held onto the ball too long after crossing halfcourt, making it easier for the Nets’ defenders to pressure and double-team them. This led to turnovers and a lackluster offensive performance.
Luka Doncic Takes Responsibility for Communication Issues
Doncic quickly acknowledged Redick’s remarks, accepting responsibility for the Lakers’ poor offensive execution when questioned by reporters.
“That’s my fault,” Doncic admitted.
As a five-time All-NBA selection, Doncic is typically one of the best at handling defensive coverages, especially against blitzes. However, he often found himself trapped in the halfcourt without reliable passing options. With LeBron James sidelined, it was primarily up to him to identify and correct the team’s issues with positioning and spacing throughout the game.
