The Los Angeles Lakers’ early-season momentum has completely evaporated, and head coach JJ Redick is no longer hiding his frustration. After a blistering 15-4 start, the Lakers have spiraled into inconsistency, capped by a flat Christmas Day loss to Houston in which they never once held a lead.
Injuries have played a role, but Redick made it clear following the defeat that effort, urgency, and accountability are now bigger concerns than availability. During his postgame press conference, Redick cut off a reporter mid-question and delivered what sounded like a breaking point for the coaching staff.
We’ve given everybody a chance.
Redick said bluntly.
Winter has come for the Lakers
While short, the message was loud. Redick has exhausted his patience with the current roster makeup and appears to be signaling the front office that change is needed. Despite being offensively loaded, the Lakers have repeatedly failed in the fundamentals-protecting the ball, rebounding, and defending with intensity. Those issues have become glaring during their recent three-game skid.
With the trade deadline approaching, pressure is mounting on Rob Pelinka to address the imbalance. Even Luka Doncic has openly acknowledged that “a change” may be necessary. Redick’s system demands pace, physicality, and commitment on both ends-traits the roster has not consistently shown.
JJ Redick plans to make Lakers “uncomfortable” to force accountability
Redick is not waiting quietly for help. Instead, he plans to challenge his team internally, starting with practice.
Saturday’s practice – I told the guys – it’s going to be uncomfortable… I’m not doing another 53 games like this.
The L.A. coach mentioned.
The Lakers’ early wins masked their flaws, often leaning heavily on offensive explosions from Doni or Austin Reaves. But opponents have adjusted. Physical pressure, aggressive rebounding, and forcing turnovers have become the blueprint to beat Los Angeles.
Against Houston, the Lakers surrendered 16 turnovers and 17 offensive rebounds, numbers that reflect effort more than execution. Redick has repeatedly emphasized that winning basketball requires embracing uncomfortable roles, something the current group has resisted.
Depth has also become an issue. Bench players are struggling to find rhythm, while younger options remain glued to the sideline even when scoring dries up. That lack of trust has created stagnation, especially when the offense stalls and ball movement disappears.
A trade could help address size and rebounding concerns, but Redick understands that no single move will fix everything. Culture, trust, and collective responsibility must improve alongside any roster changes.
The message from Redick is unmistakable: comfort is gone. Whether through internal pressure, rotation shakeups, or front-office intervention, the Lakers are heading toward change. And if the roster doesn’t respond soon, that change may arrive sooner than expected.
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