The Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets didn’t just sting in the standings; it exposed cracks that are becoming harder to ignore. The defeat marked Los Angeles’ third straight loss and capped what has been its roughest stretch of the season.
While the Lakers still sit fifth in the Western Conference at 19-10, the manner of the loss raised red flags internally. Defensive lapses and visible disconnects overshadowed the presence of an elite trio featuring LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves.
Maxi Kleber Backs Luka Dončić’s Accountability
Following the loss, Dončić took a direct and uncomfortable approach, publicly acknowledging that the responsibility for fixing the Lakers’ defensive issues begins with him. His comments resonated in the locker room, and no teammate understood their weight better than Maxi Kleber.
Kleber, who has spent most of Dončić’s NBA career alongside him, made it clear that Dončić’s words weren’t empty self-criticism. Speaking about Dončić’s comments, Kleber emphasized why that moment mattered for the entire roster.
“It shows great character that he wants to take accountability,” Kleber said (per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin). “He’s the head of the snake, so we all follow him. It’s good for us to see him also step up in that sense and take ownership because that will help everybody else do the same and focus, especially with that effort on every possession.”
Dončić, the Slovenian superstar and de facto engine of the Lakers’ offense, didn’t deflect blame after the Christmas collapse. Instead, he acknowledged that meaningful change, particularly on the defensive end, has to start with him setting the tone.
That stance carried extra weight coming from a player who is leading the league in scoring and whose offensive brilliance often draws the spotlight.
Defensive Issues Put Lakers Under Spotlight
Dončić’s remarks came after one of the Lakers’ most troubling defensive performances of the season. Entering Christmas Day, Los Angeles already ranked 24th in defensive rating. Against Houston, those struggles were magnified on the league’s biggest regular-season stage.
The Rockets controlled the offensive glass and dictated the physicality of the game. Los Angeles never found a defensive rhythm, allowing Houston to impose its will in front of a national audience.
Following the loss, Dončić openly acknowledged the discomfort that lies ahead.
“I don’t know what has to change, but definitely something needs to change,” Dončić said. “We have to figure it out. Everybody has to talk about it. I know JJ [Redick] said it’s going to be uncomfortable. As it should be.”
Kleber’s perspective carries added significance given his history with Dončić. The two were longtime teammates in Dallas before being unexpectedly moved together to Los Angeles in a blockbuster February 2025 trade. That shared journey gives Kleber rare insight into how Dončić leads and how seriously he takes moments like this.
