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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick calls out a play during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their first game back from the All-Star break against the Celtics. LA failed to score even 100 points in the game. With the loss, the Lakers now sit in a tie for fifth in the Western Conference standings.
LA wasn’t happy with some of the officiating mistakes that were made in this game. JJ Redick made that clear during the game and immediately afterwards, as well. One particular call got Redick hot enough during the game to warrant him picking up a technical foul.
After the game, Redick made sure that everyone knew how unhappy he was with the missed call that was easy to see.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick reacts. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers’ JJ Redick Rips Refs for Missed Call
Neemias Queta stuck his hand through the rim while trying to defend a Deandre Ayton floater. Ayton missed the shot after the rim was shaken. Redick explained why the missed call was so easy to see. Redick even recreated the play on the floor after he got a technical for arguing.
“Queta stuck his entire, I can’t jump that high, he stuck his entire hand through the rim. Not just grabbing the net, but stuck it through the cylinder. That’s typically a goaltend. Not tonight, obviously. They recognized that he did that, and they said that’s not a goaltend. I’ll get some clarification on the rule on that, because honestly, that’s a great way to defend floaters.”
Redick was clearly unhappy with the decision to let that call go. Luka Doncic was also frustrated with the no-call, as he also recreated the event when he was arguing with the officials. Neither Doncic nor Redick got the call they were looking for.
That call wasn’t the difference between the Lakers winning or losing the game, but it was still a frustrating moment for a team still trying to figure things out. Redick was hoping for a better effort right out of the break.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers Still Have Defensive Problems
Currently, the Lakers hold the seventh-worst defense in the league. They decided not to address that weakness at the trade deadline. Instead, they traded for Luke Kennard to try to help their 3-point shooting. That hasn’t gotten much better, either.
Marcus Smart has been mostly healthy this season, which is a massive change from the last couple of years. Despite that, the perimeter defense for Los Angeles remains poor. His lack of shooting makes it hard to play Smart for an extended period of time.
The Lakers have to figure out a way to conjure up a top-ten offense with how poor the defense is. In the last 10 games, they have just the 13th-best offense in the league. Keeping their three main guys healthy is the biggest key to them possibly making a run in the playoffs. If they fail to do so, another early playoff exit could be on the way.