The Los Angeles Lakers are now 1-2 on their five-game road trip after blowout losses to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. They hold an 8-4 record overall, but they do have plenty to work on as they prepare to meet the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks to close out this road trip.
On Wednesday, they were outclassed in many facets of the game against the defending NBA champion Thunder. They didn’t put up much resistance defensively, and on offense, they were about as potent as a 1981 Honda Accord. The Lakers fell by a final score of 121-92, and it was simply a reality check that while they’re a good team, they aren’t quite an elite one.
Head coach JJ Redick implied afterward that he has confidence his team can and will become something greater in time.
“I think you have to look big picture and then you have to look at where you’re team is right now. I don’t think it’s been a great road trip for us just in terms of how we played.
“… The Atlanta game and tonight I don’t think are reflective of who the group is going to be, but it clearly is who the group is right now, and so we gotta course correct.”
After Saturday’s 122-102 loss to Atlanta, Redick was clearly very unhappy with how his team staged a virtual no-show. This time, however, he was more open with the media about how his team did and where he feels it stands as of now.
One reason for optimism is that the Lakers are getting healthier. LeBron James reportedly went through a practice with their G League affiliate and felt great during the session, which suggests that he’s nearing his season debut after dealing with sciatica over the last several weeks. Guard Gabe Vincent could also be nearing a return from a sprained ankle, and Redick hopes to also have rookie forward Adou Thiero available by the end of this road trip.
It is important to remember that the Lakers’ current unit is still a relatively new one. Starting center Deandre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia came over during the offseason, and everyone is still learning how to play well with Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s core has been together for a couple of years and is therefore more connected.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick has optimism in Lakers’ potential after loss to Thunder
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
