The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 123-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, extending their difficult late-season stretch. Playing without key players including Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, the Lakers were forced to rely on a depleted rotation.
After the game, head coach JJ Redick delivered a direct message about the team’s effort and execution. His comments reflected growing frustration with the group’s performance, emphasizing the need for urgency as the playoffs approach.
“We’ve got to find nine guys that are, like, all in on us fighting,” Redick said. “Whatever you got to do to go out and fight and be all-in on the team, we’ll find the nine guys.”
The remarks came after multiple in-game decisions that highlighted Redick’s dissatisfaction, including early substitutions and visible exchanges with players.
JJ Redick Calls Out Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura
Redick made his stance clear early in the game. He called a timeout less than three minutes into the first quarter and removed Rui Hachimura after a missed assignment.
“I just called the early timeout because Rui didn’t do his job, and so I took him out of the game,” Redick said postgame. “We’ve got to find nine guys that are all-in on us fighting.”
The situation escalated again early in the second quarter involving Jarred Vanderbilt. Redick called another quick timeout, subbed Vanderbilt out, and the two had a heated exchange on the court. Teammates and assistant coaches stepped in to separate them.
Redick downplayed the incident but reiterated his expectations.
“Nothing personal with him. Normal stuff from my end,” Redick said. “Being undermanned, we’ve got to scrap and claw. We’ve got to all be on the same page, be great teammates, and all play hard.”
Vanderbilt did not return to the game after the exchange, finishing with three points in limited minutes. Hachimura, after being benched early, returned and led the team with 15 points.
JJ Redick Criticizes Deandre Ayton as Lakers Adjust Rotation
GettyLos Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton
Redick also addressed the performance of Deandre Ayton, who has struggled to find rhythm in recent games.
“He’s had trouble catching the ball,” Redick said. “We’ve run a bunch of plays for him… I don’t know if that’s the passing or if it’s him trying to get position. He just hasn’t been able to catch the ball.”
Ayton finished with just three points and limited involvement offensively. His role has been under increased focus with the Lakers missing multiple primary scorers.
The team’s injury situation has reshaped the rotation. Along with Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers were also without Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes, leaving Redick with fewer experienced options.
Despite the circumstances, Redick made it clear that effort and execution remain non-negotiable.
“It’s a great opportunity for us over the next three games to find those guys,” he concluded, referring to players who can contribute consistently heading into the postseason.
The loss dropped the Lakers further in a tight Western Conference race. With only a few games remaining, their focus has shifted from seeding to identifying a reliable playoff rotation.
Redick acknowledged that shift directly.
“The seeding part probably went out the window after the OKC game,” he said.
The Lakers will now close the regular season with matchups against the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz, as they attempt to stabilize their lineup before the playoffs begin.
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