LAKERS LOSE TO NETS: 7 Key Areas JJ Redick Must Address…
In a game that left many Lakers fans scratching their heads, the Los Angeles Lakers came up short against the struggling Brooklyn Nets, losing 108-111. Despite a valiant team effort and five Lakers players scoring in double digits, the absence of key players like LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, DFS (D’Angelo Russell), and Jaxson Hayes proved to be a huge issue. The Lakers simply couldn’t keep up with the Nets’ dominant performance in the paint, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Lakers’ Team Effort Not Enough
The Lakers had a solid team performance with five players stepping up to the plate and scoring double-digit points. Gabe Vincent led the charge with 24 points and 3 assists, showing off his scoring ability and leadership. Luka Dončić, although not part of the Lakers squad, was mentioned as a point of comparison for his elite performance with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, all of which put pressure on the Lakers’ defense.
Dalton Knecht also had a solid outing with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, while Austin Reaves continued his strong play with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and a block. Jordan Goodwin contributed similarly, with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal. All of these performances were commendable, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Big Problem: Struggling in the Paint
Despite the Lakers’ effort, one glaring issue that stood out was their inability to defend the paint. The Brooklyn Nets dominated inside, outmuscling the Lakers’ frontcourt and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. The Lakers were consistently out-rebounded and outworked in the paint, a crucial area of the game where they’ve struggled this season. With key players missing, the team lacked the necessary size and strength to contain the Nets’ big men and finish strong on both ends of the court.
Coach JJ’s Missed Opportunity: Trey Jemison III
One critical factor that could have turned the game in the Lakers’ favor was the underutilization of Trey Jemison III. As the Nets continued to overpower the Lakers inside, Coach JJ missed an opportunity to put Jemison in for extended minutes during the dying minutes of the game. Jemison, known for his rebounding prowess and shot-blocking ability, could have provided the Lakers with the defensive presence they desperately needed. His size and athleticism could have helped the Lakers challenge more shots and secure more rebounds down the stretch, especially in those crucial moments when the game was on the line.
Missed Opportunities and Final Thoughts
While the Lakers showed heart and grit, their loss to the Nets highlights some key areas for improvement. The absence of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, DFS, and Jaxson Hayes left a significant void, and the team struggled to compensate for it. However, with five players scoring double digits, it’s clear that the Lakers have offensive firepower. The real issue, however, was their inability to control the game in the paint, especially on defense and the boards.
As the Lakers prepare for their next matchup, Coach JJ and the team will need to focus on addressing their paint defense and consider utilizing players like Jemison more effectively to solidify their interior presence. Without their key players, the Lakers need to find new ways to step up, or they risk continuing these disappointing losses.
