Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not hold back after his team’s 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Known for his calm but blunt demeanor after tough losses, Redick made it clear that the Lakers’ defensive issues are becoming a serious concern.
Lakers Struggle in Transition Defense
The Spurs played with nonstop pace, punishing the Lakers in transition and early offense. San Antonio tallied 27 fast-break points and repeatedly found open shots before the Lakers could get set defensively.
Redick said the team’s biggest problem right now is simple:
“Just didn’t do a good job of getting back in transition… Not being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now.”
He added that the Lakers continue to lose battles “on the margins,” pointing to effort and execution issues.
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
The Lakers’ roster construction is partly to blame. Their three stars — Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves — are all known as below-average defenders, leaving the team with limited options on the perimeter.
Current defensive metrics paint the same picture:
- 21st in defensive rating
- 23rd in opponent fast-break points allowed
- 24th in opponent points off turnovers
A lack of footspeed, especially among guards and wings, made them vulnerable against the quick Spurs backcourt. Stephon Castle exploded for 30 points, while De’Aaron Fox added 20, consistently beating the Lakers off the dribble.
Offense Not Enough to Compensate
Since the Lakers are not an elite offensive team, they struggle to match big scoring runs. When their defense breaks down, they rarely have the firepower to respond — a trend that showed again on Wednesday.
Redick and the Lakers now face growing pressure to fix their defensive shortcomings as the season intensifies.
