Despite Luka Doncic's exceptional individual play, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick publicly criticized the team's inconsistency after their recent preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns. Redick drew attention to the team's erratic play and defensive shortcomings, stressing that each player must always act morally during every possession if they wish to be a good team.
"If you want to be a good team, you have to do it every single time," You have to act morally at all times. In that regard, I don't believe any of the bands that played tonight were as trustworthy as they should have been." He added, "The Lakers' defensive performance was a step worse than it had been in the past, even though there were some positive moments in the game."
Doncic shot 50% from three-point range, scored 25 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and provided four assists in just 22 minutes. However, the Lakers' 13 turnovers allowed Phoenix to dominate in fast-break points. Redick stressed that individual efforts by players like LeBron James and Doncic won't be sufficient in the absence of team cohesiveness and consistency.
The coach's remarks underscore the Lakers' struggles to improve their habits and establish a more reliable defensive identity in advance of the regular season.
(Source: Times of India, The Sports Tak, Marca, Fadeaway World)