JJ Redick said the Lakers are actively trying different defensive coverages to counter athletic opponents, but a lack of ball containment and opponents playing with extra energy against the franchise continue to create challenges.
The Los Angeles Lakers' recent struggles continued Thursday night, as they were beaten 135–117 by the Charlotte Hornets at home. The loss marked their fourth defeat in the last five games and their eighth in the past 13.
Player of the Game
LaMelo Ball
L. Ball
FGM-A
10-20
Facing a young, athletic Hornets squad, the Lakers once again ran into issues matching their opponent's speed and energy.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed those athleticism gaps after the game, explaining where things went wrong defensively.
"They do a great job of doing that with a lot of pace, and it creates a lot of problems for teams. I thought when the game started, we did a really good job of covering that," he said. "And that's been in this stretch, like if you watch the tape, they go to that a lot in early offense.
"They're either able to create rim confusion and get threes, or they're able to turn the corner and touch the paint and get you in a scramble or get all the way to the rim. So we guarded that well," Redick added.
"Then they just kind of went to kind of just singular small-small pick-and-rolls, and we didn't do a good job of containing the basketball at times. And then at times, they made ridiculous shots. We changed. We did three different coverages tonight. So, it's not like we're not trying. We're trying."
Credit AP - Scanpix
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are reportedly looking to address their athletic shortcomings by adding a 3-and-D wing.
But Redick also agreed that most teams show a better version of themselves when they play the Lakers.
"These guys grew up watching LeBron James play," Redick noted. "The Lakers, like the Celtics, are arguably the most storied franchise in all of sports. I think all the guys know we don't get a lot of off nights from other teams in terms of energy and being up and all that stuff. I don't think that was just tonight.
"They got our full respect and attention pre-game, and I thought we fought," the coach added. "Another team that has a hot shooting night."
With the defeat, the Lakers fall to 24-15 on the season. They will look to bounce back when they visit Portland on Saturday.
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