JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his evaluation of the Los Angeles Lakers’ defensive struggles following a tough 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls at home. What began as a nail-biter, with the Bulls holding a slim 65-62 lead at halftime, quickly unraveled in the second half. Chicago decisively took control, dominating the third and fourth quarters with scores of 39-27 and 42-26, respectively. This defeat marked one of the more challenging outings for Redick’s squad this season.
In his post-game analysis, Redick pointed to the glaring issues on defense as the primary culprit for the Bulls’ scoring surge. “Our defense,” he stated plainly when reflecting on the game’s critical moments. “We gave up 44 points in the paint. Our turnovers killed us all night, which led to them getting shots in transition. I thought we did a poor job contesting.”
His candidness about the team’s performance encapsulated a larger concern. “I love my team, I love those guys. That was the worst our defense has looked, frankly, maybe all year, but certainly in the last three months,” he admitted.
The stats tell a story that supports his frustration. The Bulls shot an impressive 58.3% from the field and drained 19 three-pointers at a 46.3% clip, which highlights their offensive efficiency. Additionally, Chicago showcased their ball movement with 41 assists compared to the Lakers’ 23—a telling difference in how each team executed their game plans. Defensively, the Bulls were relentless, notching 17 steals and five blocks while the Lakers managed just eight steals and one block in response. The fast-break points also reflected a stark contrast, with the Bulls scoring 30 compared to the Lakers’ 12.
This surprising defensive lapse stands out given the Lakers’ previous reputation for tenacious defense, even in losses. With only three weeks remaining in the regular season, Redick emphasized the need for immediate improvement as they prepare to face the Orlando Magic on Monday. The urgency is palpable; the Lakers must regroup and recalibrate before they can truly contend. The stakes are high, and it’s critical for them to return to their defensive roots if they hope to turn the tide heading into the playoffs.
