LOS ANGELES — The Rockets vs Lakers Los Lakers’ holiday showcase turned into a reality check on Christmas Day, as a 119–96 loss to the Houston Rockets sparked some of the strongest public criticism yet from first-year head coach JJ Redick.
The defeat was the Lakers’ third straight and their sixth loss in the past 10 games, continuing a troubling trend for a team with championship aspirations. But for Redick, the concern went far beyond the final score.
“We don’t care enough right now,” Redick said postgame. “We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don’t care enough to be a professional.”
Rockets vs Lakers Take Control Early and Never Look Back
The game was effectively decided early. Houston stormed out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and maintained control throughout, never allowing the Lakers to seriously threaten.
By halftime, the Rockets had already exposed Los Angeles’ lack of urgency, and the gap only widened in the second half. Houston led by at least 10 points for the entire final two quarters, turning the nationally televised matchup into a one-sided affair.
Effort and Execution at the Center of Redick’s Frustration
Redick didn’t mince words when assessing his team’s performance.
“The two words of the day were effort and execution,” he said. “When we do both, we’re a good team. When we don’t, we’re a terrible team — and tonight we were terrible from the start.”
The Lakers were dominated on the glass, getting outrebounded 48–25. Houston’s 17 offensive rebounds repeatedly punished Los Angeles, leading to extra possessions and easy second-chance points.
Luka Doncic’s Return Highlights Ongoing Issues
Luka Doncic returned after missing time with a calf contusion, but his presence did little to stabilize the Lakers early. He committed three turnovers in his first two minutes of action and finished with six, the most on the team.
Despite the miscues, Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points and seven assists and took responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“Something has to change,” Doncic said. “Everybody has to give better effort, starting with me.”
Injury Concerns Grow as Austin Reaves Exits Early
The Lakers’ night worsened when Austin Reaves was ruled out at halftime due to soreness in his left calf, an injury that had already caused him to miss multiple games earlier this month.
Reaves scored 12 points in just 15 minutes before exiting and is scheduled to undergo an MRI. His availability moving forward remains uncertain, adding another layer of concern for a team already searching for consistency.
LeBron James and Lakers Struggle on Both Ends
LeBron James finished with 18 points, but the Lakers were outscored by 33 points during his 34 minutes on the floor — one of the worst plus-minus performances of his Lakers career.
Overall, Los Angeles struggled defensively, lacked communication, and failed to match Houston’s physicality and energy.
“Uncomfortable” Conversations Coming for Lakers
Redick made it clear that accountability is coming quickly.
“Saturday’s practice is going to be uncomfortable,” he said. “The meeting is going to be uncomfortable. I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”
He also suggested that certain players are consistently unprepared, though he declined to name names.
“It’s a choice,” Redick said. “And too often, we have guys who don’t want to make that choice.”
Locker Room Admits Team Is at a Crossroads
With several starters declining to speak postgame, role players Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt addressed the team’s state, acknowledging the urgency of the moment.
“There might be a disconnect right now,” LaRavia said. “We’ve got to reel it back in.”
Vanderbilt echoed the sentiment, calling for honest communication and immediate action.
“We’ve got to have those hard conversations,” he said. “We don’t want this to keep going in the wrong direction.”
Lakers Face Defining Stretch Ahead
Despite holding a 19–10 record, all 10 of the Lakers’ losses this season have come by double digits — a statistic that underscores their inconsistency.
As they prepare to host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, the Lakers find themselves at a pivotal moment. How they respond to Redick’s blunt message may determine whether this season regains momentum or continues to drift.