The Los Angeles Lakers looked like they might have turned a corner after snapping their three-game losing streak with a win over the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers had an opportunity to make a statement to end 2025 as they hosted the Detroit Pistons, who currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons entered the matchup on their own skid after losing two games in a row, so they were definitely motivated to turn things around against the Lakers. This season, teams that have been athletic and physical have given Los Angeles fits and Detroit was no different as they routinely disrupted the former offensively nearly every time down.
To make matters worse, the Lakers defense was almost non-existent as they allowed every Pistons player to get into the paint or to the free throw line. It was a physical contest that ultimately did not go Los Angeles’ way as they lost 128-106 in what ended up being an incredibly disappointing showing.
Head coach JJ Redick wasn’t pleased with the Lakers’ performance and he highlighted where he felt the game was lost.
“The offensive stretch we had there in the third, start of the fourth, I’ll rewatch it tonight, but we had like five turnovers in that stretch. Again, the turnovers, the fast break points, [the] points in the paint; that just killed us tonight,” Redick said.
Redick added that the self-inflicted mistakes and lack of effort defensively make it nearly impossible to come back from.
“I thought the group, the intent and like effort was there for the most part tonight. There was some technique stuff in pick-and-roll that we tried to adjust and we didn’t get there,” Redick added. “The turnovers and the fast break points, they kill you. A team shoots 63% and most of it’s at the rim or in the paint. It can be deflating.”
L.A. looked like it was going to give Detroit a fight going into the fourth quarter as they rallied in the third. However, the Lakers looked disinterested in keeping up the intensity on both ends of the floor while the Pistons turned their turnovers into transition buckets that prevented the purple and gold from ever coming back.
It was already apparent that Los Angeles is at least a couple of tiers away from being a serious title contender, but the loss to Detroit only widened the perceived gap. Despite the star power of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the team as a whole still looks disjointed at times and Redick and the coaching staff will need to find answers fast if they hope to get back on track.
Ending 2025 on a sour note is unfortunate, but at least the Lakers can kick 2026 off on the right foot when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
JJ Redick feeling positive about Lakers after practice and film session
Following the Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets, Redick promised an uncomfortable practice and film session. It appears the new approach worked as Redick came away feeling more positive about the Lakers, although they are now back at square one as they get ready to enter 2026.
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