First-year coach addresses defensive concerns with star duo as Lakers struggle to maintain early season momentum
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick recently sat down with his two biggest stars for a conversation about expectations, and the message was clear: Luka Doncic and LeBron James need to give more on the defensive end. The meeting came as the Lakers navigate a challenging stretch that has exposed vulnerabilities in their roster construction, particularly when facing teams with superior athleticism and perimeter shooting.
Despite an impressive 18-7 record that has the Lakers tied for third place in the Western Conference alongside the San Antonio Spurs, Redick recognizes that his team’s defensive shortcomings could derail their championship aspirations. The first-year head coach didn’t mince words when addressing his superstar players about the work required to elevate the team’s performance on the less glamorous end of the floor.
Doncic accepts responsibility after meeting
Luka Doncic openly discussed the conversation with Redick, acknowledging that the coach’s assessment was accurate and that the team’s star players bear primary responsibility for setting the defensive tone. The Slovenian sensation, who currently leads the NBA in scoring and has transformed the Lakers’ offensive attack into one of the league’s most potent units, admitted he and his fellow stars must deliver more consistent effort.
The meeting covered multiple topics beyond just defensive intensity, but that subject dominated the discussion. Doncic emphasized that he and James need to establish better energy from the opening tip, rather than waiting for games to develop before fully engaging. The tendency for slow starts has plagued Lakers teams for several seasons, creating unnecessary deficits that force the stars to expend extra energy digging out of holes.
Doncic pointed to a recent game against Phoenix as evidence that the team can execute Redick’s vision when properly focused. He felt the Lakers demonstrated improved defensive mentality and concentration on their own execution rather than getting caught up reacting to opponents. That performance offered a blueprint for what’s possible when the roster commits to Redick’s defensive principles.
Defensive concerns mount against quality competition
The Lakers’ defensive issues have become increasingly apparent as their schedule has featured more playoff-caliber opponents in recent weeks. Teams with superior perimeter shooting and foot speed have consistently exploited Los Angeles’ lack of defensive versatility, turning games into high-scoring affairs that don’t favor the Lakers’ roster construction.
The purple and gold simply don’t have many two-way players capable of defending multiple positions while contributing offensively. This limitation becomes glaring against teams that can attack in transition and spread the floor with multiple shooting threats. The Lakers often find themselves in track meets they’re ill-equipped to win consistently over an 82-game season and potential playoff series.
Doncic acknowledged there are no obvious answers on the current roster to address these defensive deficiencies. The team’s construction prioritizes offensive firepower and playmaking over defensive versatility, leaving Redick with limited options for matching up against certain opponent styles. This reality places even greater pressure on the stars to maximize their defensive contributions.
The burden of carrying the Lakers
The challenge facing Doncic and James extends beyond defense. They’re also being asked to maintain elite offensive production while improving their energy and focus on the other end. This represents an enormous workload, particularly for James, who at his age must carefully manage his energy expenditure throughout the grueling NBA season.
The situation becomes even more demanding with Austin Reaves currently sidelined. Until the Lakers’ third star returns to action, Doncic especially will be counted on to carry the team virtually every night. The expectations placed on him are immense, even by superstar standards, as the Lakers lack other creators who can generate quality offense when he sits.
Redick understands that asking Doncic and James to give more seems almost unreasonable given their current contributions. Both players already shoulder massive responsibilities on both ends of the floor. However, championship-contending teams require their best players to find extra gears during crucial moments, and that’s exactly what Redick is demanding.
Long-term implications
The Doncic trade fundamentally altered the Lakers’ trajectory and the balance of power across the league. However, that blockbuster move also depleted the team’s future draft capital, meaning the current roster must maximize its championship window while these stars remain in their primes.
Reports suggest NBA executives now view the Lakers’ future draft picks as less valuable precisely because the team is expected to remain competitive for years with Doncic leading the way. This perception further emphasizes the importance of the Lakers capitalizing on their current opportunity rather than hoping to improve through future draft selections.
As the season progresses, the Lakers know their success hinges on whether their stars can meet Redick’s challenge and elevate their defensive commitment without sacrificing offensive production.