Lakers lose to Pistons; Redick calls for them to persevere in high-intensity competition.

2026-01-01 07:51

In another key game of the 2025/26 NBA regular season , the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons 106-128 , despite contributions from Luka Doncic, LeBron James , and Jaxson Hayes . Head coach JJ Redick stated in an interview that turnovers during the game had a significant negative impact, emphasizing the need to persevere in high-intensity competition.

Luka Doncic scored 30 points and 11 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James added 17 points and 4 assists, and Jaxson Hayes contributed 13 points and 2 assists.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently ranked 5th in the Western Conference standings and will host the Memphis Grizzlies in their next game.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, "We had about five turnovers around the halfway point of the third quarter. The Detroit Pistons are a very physical team, it's part of their DNA."

"I think when a team keeps making mistakes and you feel like you're being fouled but not getting called, it definitely creates a certain level of frustration. That frustration is definitely there. We're still trying to figure that out. We've had so many ups and downs this season, and building a team identity isn't easy."

Redick pointed out, "Turns, fast break points from the opponent, all of these cost us. When a team shoots 63% and most of their baskets come from the paint or the restricted area, it's demoralizing. We've discussed before that they make contact or foul almost every possession, and the key is for the team to keep playing under those conditions."

"For most of the time, we had the intention and the effort, and we also tried to make adjustments to some technical details of pick-and-roll defense, but ultimately it didn't work."