Lakers want Luka Doncic, LeBron James to engage more on defense
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick isn’t letting his superstars coast, even when the win column keeps ticking upward. Following a high-octane 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, the message emerging from the locker room was unmistakable: the offensive fireworks are spectacular, but the defensive commitment must evolve. Specifically, Redick has challenged Luka Doncic and LeBron James to elevate their engagement on the less glamorous end of the floor to solidify the team's championship credentials.
The catalyst for this internal pivot was the defensive spark provided by Jarred Vanderbilt during the team's previous win against the Phoenix Suns. Vanderbilt’s energy was described as "contagious," effectively lighting the fuse for the roster, but Redick emphasized that relying solely on defensive specialists is not a sustainable formula for June. The coaching staff is demanding that the intensity sparked by role players be matched by the faces of the franchise. While the Lakers managed to outscore Utah behind Doncic’s historic night—a staggering 45-point, 14-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included five steals—the defensive lapses were glaring, as Los Angeles surrendered a season-high 78 points in the first half.
To his credit, Doncic didn’t shy away from the criticism or point fingers at the rotation. Addressing the media post-game, the Slovenian superstar took full accountability for the team's defensive volatility. "He was right," Doncic admitted regarding Redick’s challenge. "You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that's on us. That's on me."
The on-court chemistry between LeBron James and Doncic has been offensively seamless since the blockbuster trade that reshaped the Western Conference, creating a nightmare for opposing coordinators. However, the Lakers are aware that relying on winning shootouts is a dangerous game to play in the postseason. With key rotation piece Austin Reaves currently sidelined, the margin for error is significantly slimmer. The Lakers are looking to solidify their identity not just as an offensive juggernaut, but as a disciplined two-way force. As they prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on whether the two future Hall of Famers can translate this accountability into consistent stops.
The catalyst for this internal pivot was the defensive spark provided by Jarred Vanderbilt during the team's previous win against the Phoenix Suns. Vanderbilt’s energy was described as "contagious," effectively lighting the fuse for the roster, but Redick emphasized that relying solely on defensive specialists is not a sustainable formula for June. The coaching staff is demanding that the intensity sparked by role players be matched by the faces of the franchise. While the Lakers managed to outscore Utah behind Doncic’s historic night—a staggering 45-point, 14-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included five steals—the defensive lapses were glaring, as Los Angeles surrendered a season-high 78 points in the first half.
To his credit, Doncic didn’t shy away from the criticism or point fingers at the rotation. Addressing the media post-game, the Slovenian superstar took full accountability for the team's defensive volatility. "He was right," Doncic admitted regarding Redick’s challenge. "You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that's on us. That's on me."
The on-court chemistry between LeBron James and Doncic has been offensively seamless since the blockbuster trade that reshaped the Western Conference, creating a nightmare for opposing coordinators. However, the Lakers are aware that relying on winning shootouts is a dangerous game to play in the postseason. With key rotation piece Austin Reaves currently sidelined, the margin for error is significantly slimmer. The Lakers are looking to solidify their identity not just as an offensive juggernaut, but as a disciplined two-way force. As they prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on whether the two future Hall of Famers can translate this accountability into consistent stops.
