### JJ Redick Critiques Lakers’ Defense After Loss to Suns
In a disappointing outing, the Los Angeles Lakers fell 132-108 to the Phoenix Suns, prompting sharp criticism from coach JJ Redick regarding the team’s defensive performance. After the game, Redick expressed his frustrations straightforwardly, declaring, **“We just can’t move.”**
#### Lackluster Defensive Performance
Redick elaborated on the team’s struggle against younger, more agile opponents, saying, “The theme with our team is, like, these young teams that move, we just can’t move. So, it’s like we’re stuck in mud.”
The Suns capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive lapses, successfully making 50 of their 85 field-goal attempts, including a notable 14 of 34 from beyond the arc.
– **Key Statistics:**
– Suns Field Goals: 50/85
– Suns 3-Point Percentage: 41%
– Double-figure scorers on Suns: 6 players
One standout from the Suns was Dillon Brooks, who scored 25 points, showcasing the depth of Phoenix’s offensive power.
#### Redick’s Frustration with Defensive Choices
Redick emphasized that the team’s failures on defense stem from a lack of execution rather than a lack of practice or preparation. “We practice this stuff enough. We review this stuff enough. We show film on this stuff enough,” he explained.
He continued, asserting that the issues boil down to player decisions:
> “It comes down to just making the choice. There are shortcuts you can take or you can do the hard thing and you can make the second effort or you can sprint back or you can’t. It’s just a choice. And there’s a million choices in a game, and you’re very likely not going to make every choice correctly. But can you make the vast majority of them correctly? It gives you a chance to win.”
#### Lakers Struggle Shown by James
LeBron James echoed Redick’s sentiments, stating, “The offense was clicking; our defense wasn’t. That’s what it was.” This defeat was particularly significant as it marked the first time this season the Lakers had lost consecutive games, all while playing without star player **Luka Doncic**, who was sidelined due to a calf injury.
#### Looking Ahead
In an effort to turn things around, Redick has shared a motivational strategy to encourage his players before their upcoming matchup against the Rockets on Thursday night. He advised, “I told them, ‘Detach tomorrow. Be with your family. Enjoy the holiday. We’ll all come with the right mentality on Christmas.’”
This brief hiatus could be essential in regaining focus and determination for the challenges that lie ahead.
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For those interested in the game details and analysis, further readings can be found at [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/) and [NBA.com](https://www.nba.com).
