JJ Redick head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
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JJ Redick head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
With the NBA trade deadline just days away and the Los Angeles Lakers running out of realistic options, head coach JJ Redick struck a reflective — and revealing — tone about the state of the roster built around Luka Dončić.
Following Sunday’s 112–100 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Redick acknowledged that while the Lakers continue searching for answers, perfection is not a realistic expectation — especially at this stage of the season.
“I think whether you’re a GM, a coach, a player, you’re never gonna look at a roster and say, ‘This is a perfect roster, and all the pieces fit perfectly together,’” Redick said, via The Athletic. “It doesn’t really happen a lot.”
Lakers’ Defensive Issues Exposed Again in New York Loss
The Lakers’ latest defeat underscored why roster questions persist.
Los Angeles squandered a nine-point first-half lead and was undone by defensive breakdowns against the Knicks, who shot 43.8% from three-point range. The loss marked the Lakers’ third defeat on their annual Grammy road trip and once again highlighted a glaring weakness on the perimeter.
Knicks reserve guard Landry Shamet punished the Lakers’ rotations, knocking down 6 of 10 three-pointers, including three critical makes in the fourth quarter.
“They’re (Knicks) the No. 1 team in generating corner threes,” Redick told reporters.
Redick attributed much of that success to All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson, whose constant pressure in transition and the half-court repeatedly forced defensive collapses. The Lakers failed to contain those drives, allowing New York to spray the ball to open shooters.
It has become a familiar problem. Los Angeles ranks 26th in the NBA in three-point defense, a deficiency that continues to haunt them in high-leverage moments.
Lakers’ Trade Options Narrow at the Deadline
The Lakers’ front office, led by president Rob Pelinka, has made no secret of its desire to add a 3-and-D wing to stabilize the defense. But that pursuit has largely stalled.
Over the weekend, two of the Lakers’ most realistic targets — De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis — were traded for each other in a multi-team deal. Other wings previously linked to Los Angeles, including Andrew Wiggins, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Naji Marshall, are either unavailable or priced beyond the team’s limited asset pool.
The Lakers can trade only one future first-round pick, one second-round pick and up to five pick swaps. Their expiring contracts and former first-round selection Dalton Knecht have not generated meaningful traction around the league, effectively boxing the franchise into the margins rather than the blockbuster market.
Luka Dončić Shows No Panic as Deadline Nears
Despite the roster constraints — and Redick’s candid assessment — Dončić struck a markedly different tone.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Dončić said after the loss. “Obviously, got some work to do. But I think today we missed a lot of good looks. I think we have a great group.”
Dončić’s calm reflects both his adaptability and his belief in internal improvement, particularly with Austin Reaves nearing a return from a calf injury.
Austin Reaves’ Return Key to Lakers’ Offense
Historically, Dončić has thrived alongside secondary playmakers capable of easing his offensive burden.
In Dallas, he reached the Western Conference finals in 2022 with Brunson alongside him, a partnership that propelled Brunson to a breakout postseason and a lucrative free-agent deal with the Knicks. Two years later, Dončić reached the NBA Finals alongside Kyrie Irving, another elite shot creator.
Reaves is the closest approximation the Lakers can offer.
Before his injury, Reaves was enjoying the most productive stretch of his career. Over 22 games, the fifth-year guard averaged 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.0 steal, emerging as a reliable secondary creator and scorer alongside Dončić.
Defense Still Looms as Major Question
Reaves’ return, however, is unlikely to solve the Lakers’ defensive problems — and could complicate rotations further if it pushes Marcus Smart or Jake LaRavia back to the second unit.
Still, Dončić has shown no inclination to accelerate the front office’s timeline or demand a move.
“I’m not really changing that much,” Dončić said. “Just a little bit, but no problem with that.”
Trade Deadline Pressure Falls on Lakers’ Front Office
As the trade deadline approaches, the contrast is clear: Redick sees an incomplete roster with real defensive flaws, while Dončić remains patient and unbothered by the lack of immediate fixes.
That dynamic has eased the pressure on Pelinka to force a short-term move that could compromise future flexibility. For the Lakers, the question is no longer whether the roster is perfect — but whether standing pat now keeps the door open for the more meaningful changes that may come later.