The Los Angeles Lakers entered Saturday night's game seemingly on top of the world after a strong start to the season, despite being plagued by injuries.
However, the NBA can humble a team quickly. Standing at 7-2, the Lakers faced a shorthanded Atlanta Hawks squad missing, most notably, Trae Young-and were dominated from start to finish, falling 122-102.
Los Angeles was still without LeBron James and Austin Reaves for the third straight game, but head coach JJ Redick didn't take the loss lightly. His postgame press conference lasted less than two minutes, with most answers delivered in a single word or brief sentence.
"The [Hawks] brought the requisite level of urgency, physicality," Redick said.
When asked if there was a moment in the third quarter when he realized the first unit wouldn't be able to keep up, Redick cut him off: "I realized that in the first two minutes of the game."
Pressed further-"What did you see in those first two minutes?"-Redick simply responded, "Nothing," before walking off.
JJ Redick has never been one to hide his emotions-whether as a player or now as a coach-and Saturday's postgame was another example of his competitive spirit. His frustration came after the Lakers delivered a sloppy performance in a game that, on paper, should have favored them,
Luka Doncic finished with 22 points and 11 assists, but the only real bright spot for Los Angeles was Jarred Vanderbilt off the bench, who posted 12 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. Beyond that, production across the roster was minimal.
The Lakers will return to action on Monday night for the second game of their five-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets. There is hope that Austin Reaves will rejoin the lineup at some point during the trip, according to JJ Redick prior to Saturday's loss. LeBron James is still on track to make his season debut in mid-November, which could coincide with the team's return from the road swing.
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