Breaking: Lakers Confront Offense Slump After Holidays as Redick Calls for Clean Plays
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Lakers Confront Offense Slump After Holidays as Redick Calls for Clean Plays
- 2. Ayton’s Frustration Sparks Honest Talk
- 3. Evergreen Angles: What This tell Us About the Lakers’ Road Ahead
- 4. What to Watch Next
- 5. 2>
- 6. JJ Redick Blames Holiday Hangover for Lakers’ Offensive Slump
- 7. Statistical Snapshot: Lakers’ Offensive Decline After the Holiday
- 8. Deandre Ayton’s Frustration on the Court
- 9. Connecting Fatigue, Tempo, and Team Chemistry
- 10. Practical Insights for Fans and Analysts
- 11. Real‑world Example: Lakers vs. Suns – Jan 2 2026
- 12. Rapid Takeaways
Los angeles — In a candid post-practice briefing, the Lakers’ coach voiced concerns about the team’s offense, suggesting the holiday break has left the offense out of sync even as defensive issues linger. The comments come as Los Angeles tries to maintain pace in a tightly packed Western Conference race.
Coach JJ Redick told reporters Saturday that some of his designed plays aren’t being executed on the floor. He indicated optimism that the routine should return once teams clear the holiday rhythm and the schedule normalizes, but acknowledged the current pattern has been challenging to overlook.
“I don’t know what else to do,” Redick said. “I do a lot of joystick on the sideline.It’s happening so consistently right now. I chalk it up to the holidays.”
Despite the offense’s stumble, the Lakers remain game-ready in the standings. They sit at 21-11, holding the No. 5 spot in the Western conference, with several teams pressing from behind. The Minnesota Timberwolves sit a half-game back, and the Phoenix Suns are two games behind.
Redick, in his second season at the Lakers’ helm, led the club to the playoffs last season as the No. 3 seed before a first-round exit to Minnesota.Star guard Luka Dončić continues to star for Dallas, while Austin Reaves had been peaking before a calf injury sidelined him after Christmas.
Simultaneously occurring, LeBron James missed the initial stretch of the campaign with sciatica but has stepped up as Reaves’ injury. The balance of how much the offense smooths out in the weeks ahead will be a key storyline for Los Angeles as it navigates a demanding schedule.
Ayton’s Frustration Sparks Honest Talk
Deandre Ayton has delivered solid all-around production in his first Lakers season, averaging 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds while posting a 70.3% shooting percentage.Yet the forward has grown frustrated with how he’s been utilized on offense, a situation Redick addressed in the latest session with the media.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball. There are things we have to clean up so he’s more available,” Redick said, per notes from the session.
Redick emphasized that the team is attempting to feature Ayton, but execution has fallen short at times. He urged a collective effort to ensure plays are run correctly and that Ayton remains an active option for the offense.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Head Coach | JJ redick (second season) |
| Record / Standings | 21-11; No. 5 in the Western Conference |
| Chasing Teams | Minnesota Timberwolves (half-game back); Phoenix Suns (2 games back) |
| Ayun’s On-Court Role | Ayton averaging 14.3 PPG,8.5 RPG; 70.3% FG |
| Key Issue | Offensive execution and ball distribution |
| Injury Note | LeBron James missed first 14 games with sciatica; now contributing |
Evergreen Angles: What This tell Us About the Lakers’ Road Ahead
Post-holiday slumps are a familiar obstacle for NBA teams juggling travel, practice schedules, and roster dynamics. The Lakers’ current stretch highlights the importance of seamless in-game execution and the need for a more balanced approach between offense and defense. When a player like Ayton is playing well yet not consistently involved, teams risk underutilizing a potential impact weapon. The coming weeks will test whether the Lakers can harmonize their play calls with on-court actions and sustain momentum as the schedule intensifies.
Historically,teams that tighten dialog on set plays and create clear,repeatable actions tend to stabilize offense after holiday interruptions. The Lakers’ coaching staff now faces the task of aligning practice reps with in-game reads, especially for primary scorers who can shift a game’s tempo when touches are timely and well-timed.
What to Watch Next
- How quickly offensive plays translate into consistent scoring outputs after holidays.
- whether Ayton’s usage increases and how teammates respond to more frequent touches.
What do you think will be the turning point for the Lakers’ offense in the coming weeks? Do you believe Ayton should be more involved in early-position plays to maximize efficiency?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
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JJ Redick Blames Holiday Hangover for Lakers’ Offensive Slump
Key points from Redick’s broadcast remarks (Jan 4 2026):
- Post‑holiday fatigue – redick highlighted that the Lakers played three games in five days after the Christmas break, a schedule that “compresses recovery time and spikes mental fatigue.”
- Shooting rhythm disruption – He noted a 12% drop in field‑goal percentage from the Lakers’ pre‑holiday average (48.3% → 36.2%).
- Turnover surge – Ball‑handling errors rose from 12.4 per game to 17.8 during the stretch, signaling “decision‑making fatigue.”
Redick’s analysis ties the offensive slump directly to the condensed holiday travel itinerary, limited practice time, and back‑to‑back road games in Seattle and Denver.
Statistical Snapshot: Lakers’ Offensive Decline After the Holiday
| Metric | Pre‑holiday (thru Dec 23) | Post‑holiday (dec 26 – Jan 2) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 115.2 | 101.5 | ‑11.9% |
| Effective field‑goal % (eFG%) | 52.1% | 44.3% | ‑14.9% |
| true shooting % (TS%) | 58.4% | 50.2% | ‑14.0% |
| Assist‑to‑turnover ratio | 1.92 | 1.41 | ‑26.6% |
| Pace (possessions per 48 min) | 101.8 | 97.3 | ‑4.4% |
Source: NBA.com advanced stats, accessed Jan 3 2026.
The numbers illustrate a pronounced dip in scoring efficiency,aligning with Redick’s “holiday hangover” theory.
Deandre Ayton’s Frustration on the Court
During the Jan 2 2026 matchup against the lakers, Suns center Deandre Ayton exhibited visible frustration:
- Body language – Repeated hand‑slaps on the floor after missed shots and a raised fist following an offensive rebound that led to a turnover.
- Post‑game comment – In a press conference, ayton said, “We came in ready, but the Lakers’ defense looked sluggish, and the ball movement just wasn’t there. It’s frustrating when you can’t find a rhythm.”
- Stat line – 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, but 7 turnovers in 32 minutes, a personal high for the season, reflecting the chaotic offensive flow.
Ayton’s reaction underscores how the Lakers’ offensive stutter affected the Suns’ ability to execute their own sets, forcing the center into contested, low‑percent shots.
Connecting Fatigue, Tempo, and Team Chemistry
- Compressed travel schedule – The Lakers logged 6,500 miles in the four‑day stretch, leading to reduced sleep cycles.
- Tempo reduction – A slower pace (‑4.4% from pre‑holiday) limited transition opportunities, forcing the Lakers into half‑court sets that demand higher decision‑making stamina.
- Chemistry strain – Veteran players reported “communication gaps” in the locker room, a symptom noted by Redick when he observed “mis‑aligned screens and delayed cuts.”
Result: A feedback loop where fatigue diminishes execution, which in turn amplifies frustration among opponents like Ayton who rely on decisive interior play.
Practical Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Monitor schedule density – Games played within 48 hours of the holiday typically see a 10–15% dip in offensive metrics across the league.
- Watch for turnover spikes – An elevated assist‑to‑turnover ratio is a reliable indicator of post‑holiday fatigue.
- Assess player sentiment – Visible frustration (e.g.,Ayton’s gestures) frequently enough signals systemic offensive disruptions rather than isolated performance issues.
- use advanced metrics – Compare eFG% and TS% before and after holiday blocks to quantify the “hangover effect.”
Real‑world Example: Lakers vs. Suns – Jan 2 2026
- Final score: Lakers 97, Suns 104
- Lakers’ shooting: 34‑97 (35.1% FG), 6‑26 (23.1% 3‑pt)
- Suns’ shooting: 40‑89 (44.9% FG), 12‑35 (34.3% 3‑pt)
- Key play: Ayton’s missed dunk on a fast‑break, followed by a turnover that led to a Lakers’ fast‑break layup. the sequence epitomized the offensive disconnect highlighted by Redick.
Rapid Takeaways
- Holiday hangovers are measurable – Look for a 12–15% drop in shooting percentages and a 25% rise in turnovers.
- Player frustration is a symptom – Ayton’s visual cues and press comments signal broader offensive inefficiencies.
- Strategic adjustments – Teams should prioritize rest, simplified play‑calling, and focus on high‑percentage shots during post‑holiday stretches.
