Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has concerns over the team’s defense. Despite sitting near the top of the Western Conference, the Lakers’ defensive issues have reached a point where urgency is no longer being hidden behind patience.
Redick made that clear this week with a blunt message to his team as questions continue to grow about effort and looming rotation changes.
JJ Redick Acknowledges Defensive Problems and Growing Urgency
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, Redick spoke candidly about the Lakers’ struggles on the defensive end. According to Dave McMenamin, the head coach stressed that everything is on the table if the issues continue.
“We’re looking at everything,” Redick said. “We’ve got to be serious about where we are right now. The continual failure of things has a shelf life, then you have to make changes. But again, I have a belief in the nine guys we’ve been playing. We started that group, with CA for Jackson much of last year when we were number one defensively. So we can do it.”
The comments reflect a coach trying to balance belief with pressure. While Redick still trusts his core rotation, he made it clear that patience is not unlimited. The Lakers entered Friday with a defensive rating of 116.7, ranking 21st in the league. For a team with championship expectations, that number is unacceptable.
Those concerns were reinforced Wednesday night during the Lakers’ NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Luka Dončić poured in 35 points, LeBron James narrowly missed a triple-double, and Marcus Smart scored 26 in his return. Still, the Spurs used speed, ball movement, and three-point shooting to pull away for a 132-119 win.
After the loss, Redick pinpointed the core issue.
“Being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” he said.
The Lakers have struggled to slow quick ball handlers, close out on shooters, and recover in transition. Too often, missed shots have turned into easy fast break points the other way.
Jarred Vanderbilt Could See Expanded Role
One possible solution is already on the roster. When asked if Jarred Vanderbilt could be reinserted into the rotation, Redick did not hesitate.
“If this continues, he’ll definitely get his opportunities,” he said.
Vanderbilt has appeared in just 15 games this season and has largely fallen out of the rotation. The 26-year-old swingman, acquired in 2023, is averaging 4.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals, while shooting 43.1% from the field and 26.7% from three.
His lack of floor spacing has limited his minutes, but his defensive versatility, energy, and ability to guard multiple positions remain valuable traits. For a Lakers team desperate for a defensive jolt, inserting Vanderbilt may be a risk worth taking.
Los Angeles currently sits fourth in the West with a 17-7 record, but the margin for error is shrinking. Redick’s message was clear. Improvement has to come soon, or change is inevitable.
The Lakers will have a chance to respond when they face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, December 14. How they defend may determine who stays in the rotation and who gets their opportunity next.
