The Los Angeles Lakers fell flat on Christmas Day, losing 119-96 to the Houston Rockets. The Lakers entered the game on a two-game losing streak and were hoping the spotlight would bring out their best. Instead, they suffered one of their most lopsided defeats of the season.
The loss was especially jarring given the talent on the floor. Los Angeles featured a star trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, yet never found a rhythm. Houston controlled the game early and never looked back.
JJ Redick Discusses Lakers’ Practice After Blowout Christmas Day Loss to Rockets
After the loss, reports of a major team meeting raised expectations of a heated response. Redick had previously said the day would include an “uncomfortable” meeting and an “uncomfortable” practice. Many assumed the message would be loud and direct.
Instead, Redick struck a calm and reflective tone.
ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin shared video of Redick speaking after Saturday’s meeting and practice. Redick described the day as one focused on “recalibration and reconnection.”
“Today was, for myself, I’m always gonna look in the mirror first,” Redick said. “And I think it’s easy as a player, as a coach to say, ‘It’s this guy’s fault,’ or it’s ‘We’re not doing this ’cause X, Y, and Z.’ And so … we had a great meeting as a staff this morning. Came in super early. And we met with the players, and it was very positive. And it was also listening. It was also for our staff, myself, to listen to the players and what they need.”
JJ Redick speaks after the Lakers’ Saturday team meeting and practice coming off the disappointing Christmas Day loss. He called it a day of “recalibration and reconnection” for his team pic.twitter.com/fAN0oH4pDf
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 27, 2025
Redick also addressed whether players who struggled were spoken to directly. He made it clear that the message was received.
“I think they are, and I think the group is aware,” Redick said. “The group feels it. They’re on the court together. They’re in the huddles together. … There wasn’t anything that needed to be addressed that wasn’t addressed.”
The numbers paint a troubling picture. The Lakers have lost six of their past 10 games. All 10 of their losses this season have come by double digits. Those trends help explain why Redick felt change was needed.
Adding to the challenge, starting guard Reaves was diagnosed with a pulled calf after an MRI on Friday. He is expected to miss about four weeks, removing a key piece from the rotation.
Despite the struggles, the Lakers are still tied for fourth place in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The margin is thin. Just 2.5 games separate fourth place from seventh in a crowded conference. Los Angeles sits at 19-10, but there is little room for error.
Redick’s group will get its next chance to respond on Sunday, Dec. 28, against the Sacramento Kings. After a humbling Christmas loss and a day of reflection, the Lakers now have to show that the message truly sank in.
