The Houston Rockets demolished the Lakers on Christmas, winning decisively 119-96. Amen Thompson led Houston with 26 points. Kevin Durant added 25 and Alperen Şengün dominated the glass. Luka Doncic scored 25 for L.A. but committed six turnovers. LeBron James finished with 18. The Rockets out-rebounded L.A. badly and turned second-chance opportunities into a 24–10 edge. Houston also punished the Lakers with 23 points off turnovers and JJ Redick is accountable.

After the game Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back. He said Redick “got to do better as well.” Perkins argued the coach is passing blame. “It’s always everybody else’s fault but not JJ Redick’s,” he said. Perkins warned that public rants can cost respect in the locker room. He added that when a team won’t compete, “that’s a reflection on the coach.”

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Perkins pointed to clear failures on both sides of the ball. He noted LeBron’s body language and low rebound effort. He highlighted Luka’s constant complaints and turnovers. Perkins asked a blunt question, if players aren’t listening, why would the coach expect hustle? He urged Redick to own adjustments and to fix communication and accountability.

“It’s got to be a little level of accountability all across the board. I understand. Listen, JJ Redick. He had a pretty damn good season last year, but let’s not act like he went to the conference finals. Let’s not act like he won the NBA championship. It’s some things that he needs to work on,” Perkins added.

There are concrete reasons to fault Redick here. The Lakers’ defense surrendered a blistering 37 points in the first quarter and allowed Houston to keep attacking the rim. L.A. lost the possession battle and gave up too many offensive rebounds. Turnovers and poor box-outs compounded the problem. Redick said the team didn’t “care enough.” Perkins says that admission must be matched by coaching fixes, not just public shaming.

The Lakers return home to face Sacramento on Sunday. The tone of Saturday’s practice and the next few rotations will show whether Redick can regain control or whether Perkins’s warning about respect and accountability proves prophetic.

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