Redick believes the Lakers' blowout loss to the Cavaliers was due to the team struggling too much in terms of ball possession.

2026-01-30 07:46

In another key game of the 2025/26 NBA regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers, despite contributions from Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Gabe Vincent, ultimately lost 99-129 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. Redick stated that the team lacked energy in the game and struggled in contesting ball possession.

According to the data, Luka Doncic scored 29 points and 6 assists in this game, LeBron James scored 11 points and 5 assists, while Gabe Vincent contributed 11 points for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, "We were completely dominated. My coaching performance was also overshadowed. We basically gave up 4 points because our defense wasn't solid enough, while the opponent got two consecutive layups, and then probably scored on an offensive rebound or a fast break after our turnover, narrowing the gap to 4 points."

"In terms of substitutions and changes in defensive coverage, we also tried some zone defense in the second half. I think our communication was not good. We emphasized before the game that we should be tougher in physical confrontations, but our performance in the first half was not ideal."

Redick also pointed out, "In the first half, we could hardly get those 50/50 balls, and we struggled to win possession throughout the game. Our substitution rhythm was disrupted during that period, and we only returned to our usual rotation pattern afterward."

"A big part of the reason is that we were overwhelmed by our opponents in the third quarter. I probably should have made substitutions earlier in the third quarter, and we really didn't have enough energy in this game."

In addition, Redick said, "Recently, there have been very few games where players are fully engaged. At this stage of the NBA season, the test is about substitutions, tactical adjustments, and how to keep players engaged."

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