Redick points to turnovers and transition defense as the main reasons behind a bad fourth quarter collapse against Detroit.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a chance to finish 2025 on a high note when they hosted the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, but instead they watched a close game fall apart in the fourth quarter and walked away with a 128-106 loss.
The defeat dropped the Lakers to 20-11 on the season, and it marked their fourth loss in their last five games as they continue to search for answers during a tough stretch.
After the game, head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on what went wrong for the Lakers, and he did not shy away from pointing out the team's biggest issues on the night.
Redick Breaks Down What Went Wrong
"I thought the group, the intent and the effort was there for the most part tonight," Redick said during his postgame press conference. "There was some technique stuff in pick-and-roll that we tried to adjust and we didn't get there. The turnovers and the fast break points, they kill you. A team shoots 63 percent and most of it's at the rim or in the paint. It can be deflating."
The numbers backed up what Redick was saying, as the Lakers committed 21 turnovers that led to 30 Detroit points, and they were also outscored 74-44 in the paint.
The Pistons took full advantage of every mistake the Lakers made, and they turned those easy chances into a blowout win that sent the home crowd heading for the exits early.
Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 30 points and 11 assists, but he also turned the ball over eight times, which was the most on the team.
LeBron James finished with 17 points on his 41st birthday, but he struggled with five turnovers of his own and shot just 6-for-17 from the field.
On the other side, Cade Cunningham was the star of the night with 27 points and 11 assists for the Pistons, who improved to 25-8 on the year.
A Fourth Quarter Collapse
The Lakers only trailed by five at halftime despite giving the ball away 12 times in the first half, and they even tied the game at 79-79 in the third quarter before entering the fourth down 96-88.
However, the final period was a complete disaster for the home team, as they turned the ball over six times in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter and watched the Pistons pull away for good.
Detroit opened up a 114-94 lead midway through the quarter, and the game was never close again after that.
A Tough Stretch Continues
The loss continues a rough patch for the Lakers, who have now lost seven of their last 12 games after starting the season strong.
Injuries have played a role in their struggles, as Austin Reaves is currently out with a calf injury and Rui Hachimura has also been sidelined recently.
The team held a meeting after their Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets, and Redick called out his players for not caring enough about doing the little things right.
The Lakers will try to get back on track when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, and Redick will hope his team can cut down on the turnovers and show more energy on the defensive end as they look to turn things around before it is too late.