Lakers aim to fix turnover issue: ‘Majority are mental’

Turnovers have been a talking point for the Lakers throughout their first-round series vs. the Rockets, and it remains an issue even with L.A. holding a 3-1 lead.

The Lakers committed 23 turnovers in Sunday’s Game 4 loss, which Houston converted into 30 points. Through four games, L.A. has been charged with 80 total turnovers — the highest mark of any team this postseason.

Head coach JJ Redick said the team will look to address the issue in the coming days.

“We’ll spend a lot of time over the next couple of days just figuring out ways to try to prevent some of those turnovers,” Redick told reporters after the loss.

While the Lakers were able to overcome the giveaways in earlier wins, the problem became more pronounced in Game 4. Veteran guard Marcus Smart suggested many of the miscues weren’t scheme-related.

“Majority of them was mental,” Smart said. “We were dropping passes… normal plays we make on a regular basis. It’s something we have to clean up.”

Injuries have also played a role. With key ball-handlers sidelined, the Lakers have relied on lineups featuring fewer natural playmakers, putting more pressure on players like LeBron James to initiate offense.

A potential return from Austin Reaves could help stabilize things, but regardless of personnel, ball security figures to be a major focus moving forward.

If the Lakers are going to close out the series, limiting turnovers will be a key part of the equation.