The Lakers have one of the best records in the league. JJ Redick still isn’t satisfied.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick has made defense a major point of emphasis, calling on the Lakers to lock in earlier and more consistently. Luka Doncic didn’t deflect the message. He owned it.
“He was right,” Doncic said. “You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. That’s on us. That’s on me.”
The numbers back up Redick’s concerns. The Lakers entered Wednesday ranked 20th in defensive rating, 23rd in opponent fast-break points and 28th in opponent three-point percentage. During the NBA Cup break, the coaching staff walked players through film showing exactly where things were slipping.
The response showed up Sunday. Phoenix went scoreless for nearly eight minutes in the third quarter.
“We should be like that,” Doncic said. “We told on ourselves.”
Injuries and Availability
Deandre Ayton is out Thursday against Utah with left elbow soreness after playing a key role in Sunday’s win. Austin Reaves remains sidelined with a left calf strain, while Gabe Vincent is questionable due to back soreness.
Knecht Gets Run
Dalton Knecht was sent to the G League during the break to get live reps after playing just 56 minutes over the past month. Redick said the move was about confidence and rhythm.
Knecht responded with 30 points and six made threes in his South Bay debut.
“He needs to play,” Redick said. “And he needs to have fun playing.”
Vanderbilt Makes Impact
Jarred Vanderbilt rejoined the rotation Sunday for the first time in over a month and immediately left his mark. In just 15 minutes, he grabbed six offensive rebounds and added a three, a block and two steals.
Vanderbilt said staying ready mentally was the key.
“It’s a long season,” he said. “I knew eventually the opportunity was going to come.”
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