The Los Angeles Lakers may have come out victorious in their latest battle against the Phoenix Suns, but their third-quarter collapse left much to be desired. Former NBA sharpshooter and analyst JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his critique, calling the Lakers’ defensive effort during that stretch “disgraceful.” Despite flashes of brilliance from players like Dalton Knecht, Redick emphasized that the team’s defensive lapses could be a major issue if not addressed.
The Brutal 3rd Quarter Breakdown
The Lakers came into the third quarter with momentum but faltered badly, allowing the Suns to claw back into the game. Here’s what went wrong:
- Defensive Miscommunication: The Suns exploited poor rotations and slow closeouts by the Lakers, resulting in easy buckets and wide-open threes.
- Turnovers: Careless ball-handling and rushed decisions led to several costly turnovers, allowing Phoenix to capitalize in transition.
- Lack of Intensity: The Lakers’ energy on both ends dipped, a stark contrast to the high-effort play that dominated the first half.
Redick remarked, “You can’t afford these types of lapses against good teams. If this were the playoffs, that third quarter might have cost them the game.”
Redick’s Focus on Defense
JJ Redick was particularly critical of the Lakers’ defensive mindset during that stretch, pointing out how they seemed to lose focus and fail to stick to their game plan.
- On Defensive Leadership: “Anthony Davis is supposed to be the anchor. You can’t have these stretches where the entire defense collapses. It starts with accountability.”
- Transition Defense: Redick highlighted how the Lakers gave up multiple fast-break opportunities, saying, “The Lakers have to get back. Defense starts with effort, and they just didn’t have it in the third.”
Dalton Knecht’s Role
While the Lakers’ third-quarter struggles drew criticism, Redick also acknowledged Dalton Knecht’s growing importance to the team. The rookie once again showcased his scoring ability and versatility, providing a much-needed spark when the Lakers faltered.
- Knecht’s Impact: “This kid can score, no question about it. But what’s impressed me most is how he’s staying composed in big moments. He’s not playing like a rookie.”
- Room for Growth: Redick did note that Knecht, like the rest of the team, needs to improve defensively, stating, “If he can take his defensive awareness to the next level, he’s going to be a real problem for opposing teams.”
Lakers’ Takeaways Moving Forward
Despite the glaring issues in the third quarter, the Lakers showed resilience in bouncing back to secure the win. However, Redick warns that such lapses can’t become a habit, especially as the team pushes for consistency in the tough Western Conference.
- Improve Defensive Communication: The Lakers need to ensure everyone is on the same page defensively, particularly during critical stretches.
- Maintain Intensity: Sustaining effort for all four quarters will be essential if the Lakers want to contend for a title.
- Leverage Depth: Players like Knecht can’t just shine offensively—they’ll need to step up defensively to keep the Lakers balanced.
Redick’s Final Word
“This Lakers team has so much potential, but they need to clean up these moments where they just lose focus. If they can tighten up defensively and avoid these third-quarter disasters, they’ll be scary. But right now, there’s work to be done.”
The Lakers have time to address these issues, but performances like the third quarter against the Suns serve as a reminder that talent alone won’t win championships.
