The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to find consistency since their loss to the Boston Celtics. Although they have managed to string together a few wins, setbacks continue to haunt them. In a tightly contested matchup against the Chicago Bulls, individual mistakes proved costly and ultimately kept them from securing the victory. After the game, LeBron James did not shy away from criticism, offering a detailed and candid assessment of the team’s performance.
Less than 24 hours after playing the hero in a win over the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James was self-critical following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Chicago Bulls: “We put ourselves in a position to win…Horrible turnover by myself. Bad miscommunication the play before that. AR (Austin Reaves) still hit a big bucket to try to save us and you tip your hat if someone hits a game-winner from half court.”
Despite having an outstanding NBA season, LeBron James has not been at his best over the past two games. While his scoring helped secure a win against Indiana, he failed to surpass 17 points in either contest. Still, placing the blame for the Lakers’ recent loss solely on him would be unfair. Head coach JJ Redick continues to struggle with maintaining defensive consistency, and the team looks increasingly unstable.
On the bright side, Austin Reaves has been a major positive for the franchise. His breakout season is encouraging, not just for the present, but for the future as well. Even in the loss, Reaves led the team with 30 points, showing he can carry the offensive load. With LeBron James turning 40 and approaching the twilight of his career, Redick may already be seeing a path forward for the post-LeBron era.
JJ Redick and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers speak during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 27, 2025.
Lakers HC’ JJ Redick analyzes loss against Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Lakers have won just one of their last five games, leaving head coach JJ Redick under increasing pressure. His team has unraveled, going from one of the league’s top defenses to a unit plagued by glaring inconsistency on that end of the floor. Offensively, however, the Lakers continue to show flashes of brilliance, thanks in large part to the efforts of players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
see also
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony makes huge prediction about Lakers rookie Bronny James
Despite their offensive contributions, the team has struggled to build any momentum. In response to the recent slump, Redick offered a candid assessment of the Lakers’ current situation.
“Devastation. It’s a hell of a way to lose a basketball game…I felt super comfortable with the lineup we had out there to get the ball in. We just didn’t execute it. Still had I think time to call a timeout but I think in that situation, the thought process was get it in if we can. If not, call timeout,” stated Redick on Spectrum SportsNet.
