With the regular season winding down, the Lakers find themselves in a tough spot. Sitting at 43-28, they’ve dropped to the No. 5 seed, and the gap between them and the Play-In is uncomfortably small—just two games separate them from the No. 8 Timberwolves.If they don’t turn things around soon, they could be fighting for their playoff lives instead of securing a strong position. JJ Redick doesn’t have much time to get this team back on track, and in a brutal Western Conference, every win matters.
The Lakers have hit a rough patch on both ends of the floor, ranking 23rd in both offensive and defensive efficiency over their last 10 games. Head coach JJ Redick addressed the team’s struggles, pointing to key factors that have disrupted their rhythm.
Redick acknowledged that losing their two best transition scorers has significantly hurt their offense. “Our transition numbers are way down, as are the transition opportunities we’ve had,” he explained. High turnover rates have only made things worse, further limiting their ability to generate easy points.
But the bigger challenge, according to Redick, is integrating two ball-dominant stars—LeBron James and Luka Doncic—while maintaining balance. “It’s more art than science,” Redick admitted. “You’re trying to blend a generational ball-dominant player with another generational talent who’s spent his career being both on and off the ball, plus a third guy who’s used to putting up 22-8-7 every night.”
Dec 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks to head coach JJ Redick against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Despite the growing pains, Redick remains optimistic. He emphasized that the team has had discussions about finding the right offensive flow and that the players are fully committed to making it work. “That’s the art piece,” he said, highlighting the delicate process of meshing star talent while keeping the team’s overall success in focus.
Sound familiar? That’s exactly what Charles Barkley warned about weeks ago. On GameTime on NBA TV, Barkley predicted that things wouldn’t go smoothly in L.A. with LeBron and Doncic, saying both stars “want the ball 100% of the time.” He added that neither “moves without the ball,” making it a difficult adjustment for both.
To make matters worse, LeBron himself just revealed he’s struggling to find his rhythm after missing two weeks due to injury. Speaking to NBA insider Dave McMenamin, James admitted his biggest hurdle isn’t just stamina, but getting his offensive flow back.
“My stamina is down right now, and that’s the biggest hurdle I have to overcome. Offensively, I’m still trying to get my rhythm back.”
Defensively, LeBron feels he can reintegrate quickly, but he knows his leadership has to be vocal. “I need to start talking more, be more vocal, call out coverages, and get the team’s energy up,” he said.
Between LeBron’s struggles, the growing pains Barkley predicted, and Redick’s honest assessment of the situation, it’s clear the Lakers have major challenges ahead. If they don’t figure things out soon, they might be fighting for their playoff lives rather than chasing a championship.
But while Redick is fully locked in on fixing the Lakers’ issues, he’s also been having some deeper conversations—ones that go beyond just X’s and O’s.
JJ Redick reveals the topic of discussion with Chris Paul
Lakers head coach has been having deeper conversations about life after basketball—especially with longtime friend Chris Paul. The two, who played together with the Clippers from 2013 to 2017, reunited on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena when the Lakers took on the Spurs.
Redick revealed that he and Paul have been discussing the transition out of the NBA for years. “Oh yeah, we’ve talked about it the last three years,” Redick shared. “During the coaching process last spring, we had a long conversation about media stuff—talked for an hour and a half one night.”
Paul, now in his 20th season and playing for his seventh team, has options once he calls it quits. Coaching, media, or a front-office role—his experience makes him a natural fit anywhere in basketball. But Redick understands the uncertainty that comes with retirement. “The fear for all of us, especially as we get towards the end, is that there’s nothing on the other side,” he admitted.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Despite being just a year apart in age, Redick admires Paul’s relentless drive. “He could do anything because of who he is, but he still wants to play. That says a lot about him.”
Paul, in turn, praised Redick’s transition to coaching. “It’s surreal seeing him on the sidelines,” Paul said. “He’s doing a great job.” With Redick paving the way, Paul has a trusted voice to lean on when the time comes to step away from the game.
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