The Los Angeles Lakers are not only on a three-game losing streak, but they've lost all three by double digits. Additionally, they've lost the last two with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura back on the court.
James missed seven straight games with a groin injury before returning on Saturday in the Lakers' 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Los Angeles then lost to the Orlando Magic 118-106 on Monday.
The Lakers (43-28) are now the fifth seed in the Western Conference ahead of their road clash with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. While they're still 2.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors, this is a moment of adversity for JJ Redick's squad ahead of the playoffs.
However, James defended Redick on Wednesday via The Pat McAfee Show.
"I think one thing about JJ man, he breathes the game," the four-time NBA champion said. "And he breathes the game of basketball every single day. If we lose a game or we don't play up to par, there's no such thing as sleeping."
LeBron James on JJ Redick with @PatMcAfeeShow:
"I think one thing about JJ man, he breathes the game. And he breathes the game of basketball every single day. If we lose a game or we don't play up to par, there's no such thing as sleeping.
"He's a (obscenity) and I love it."
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) March 26, 2025
While he is a 15-year NBA veteran, this is Redick's first season head coaching any team on a professional level. The Duke alum had never previously coached any squad besides his son's fourth-grade team, but he's still kept the ship steady despite this current stretch.
The Lakers continue their road trip vs. the Bulls on Thursday before facing the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. They then return home to play the Houston Rockets on Monday.
Related: LeBron James Makes Opinion of Pat Riley Very Clear After Jimmy Butler Trade
Related: Luka Doncic's Dad Makes Feelings on Lakers Very Clear
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 1:13 PM.