The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season at full speed, but something has changed in recent weeks, and they are no longer the same team, steadily losing ground.
For several weeks, they held second place in the Western Conference, but that now feels like a distant memory. Losses have become a constant in their most recent outings, turning the situation into a complicated and worrying one for the franchise.
At present, the Lakers have dropped from second place to fifth. Their record stands at 20 wins and 10 losses, good for a .667 winning percentage, leaving them behind the reigning champions and current league leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast a 28-5 mark.
Above Los Angeles now sit the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, and the Houston Rockets, all of whom have taken advantage of the Lakers’ recent struggles to climb the standings.
Amid this negative stretch, critical voices have emerged questioning the impact of the team’s star players, suggesting that some of them may be hurting the group rather than helping it.
Emmanuel Acho criticizes LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho stated that neither LeBron James nor Luka Doncic shows respect for head coach JJ Redick, a dynamic that he believes has created tension in the Lakers’ locker room and contributed directly to poor performances on the court.
Acho made his comments while appearing on the Speakeasy podcast, where he directed much of his criticism toward Luka Doncic in particular.
Luka isn’t a respecter of persons. Luka don’t respect anybody.
And he continued by expanding on what he believes Doncic has demonstrated throughout his career.
Like, think about it. Jason Kidd was a better player than JJ, was a better coach than JJ, got further than JJ, doing both. And Luka ain’t respect Kidd.
Who’s saying he doesn’t respect Kidd?
Acho’s co-host asked.
You better call that challenge,’ You don’t remember that Finals?
Despite those accusations, the reality suggests something different, as Doncic is enjoying an outstanding season under JJ Redick’s leadership. The Slovenian star is averaging 33.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game so far this season.
Acho also addressed LeBron James and his relationship with Redick, questioning the authority the coach holds within the locker room.
J.J. Reddick is a substitute teacher.”…”And what I mean by that is, like, the classroom don’t ever respect a substitute teacher. Because, number one, they’re like, you only here for a particular reason.
Acho said.
J.J., you only hired because of LeBron. We know that. So, since you didn’t deserve- LeBron might be the biggest problem he has right now. But since you didn’t deserve to get the job in the first place, we’ll never respect you having the job.
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Sacramento Kings, and this Tuesday, December 30, they will have a chance to secure another win when they face the Detroit Pistons.
Read the full article here
