JJ Redick has finally addressed the growing issues surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, offering his most candid assessment yet of how LeBron James’ presence has impacted the team during a rough stretch of the season.
Redick didn’t shy away from pointing inward as the Lakers continue to slide After a brutal Christmas Day blowout loss to the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles has now dropped three straight games and six of its last ten, with defense emerging as the most glaring concern.
“I really believe in getting back to basics and understanding the needs of the team and each guy, creating more clarity,” Redick said. “I know having played that what can seem very simple up there isn’t simple once you’re in real time and live action. It’s not going to happen in a day, but we have to get back to building our defensive fundamentals.
“Since we’ve gotten Bron back, we haven’t been as organized offensively. Too many random possessions. That’s on me. It’s those three things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.”
The numbers underline Redick’s concern. The Lakers currently sit 26th in the league in defensive rating, allowing an average of 118.1 points per game.
Opponents are shooting 48.6 percent from the field, and no team has given up a higher three-point percentage than Los Angeles, with opponents converting at 38.4 percent.
James’ defensive impact has also drawn scrutiny.
In 433 minutes on the floor, the Lakers have allowed 121.9 points per 100 possessions with him playing, the worst mark among the regular rotation.
There’s no sugar-coating it.
LeBron’s offensive rating this season sits at 115.4, which is below the team average.
While his defensive rating is 121.9 – the worst on the roster. With a -6.8 net rating, he currently ranks as the 16th-best player on the team. Yikes.
READ MORE: Bill Simmons Floats Wild Stephen Curry Homecoming Trade Idea