Tensions are high in Los Angeles.
Playing against the Oklahoma City Thunder is never fun, and it's been even less so for the Los Angeles Lakers as of late.
The Lakers played the Thunder for the fourth and final time this season, and their second time in the last three games. It ended the same way it had the other three times this season, in a loss, this time in a 123-87 blowout.
It wouldn't have been an easy task even if the Lakers were at full strength, which they most certainly not with the sudden loss of both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesA Depleted Lineup
The Lakers were even missing LeBron James, who was sidelined for the game with a left foot injury.
Without their entire Big Three, the Lakers were left without much of a chance at all to take home a win and it became apparent early on.
The Thunder outscored the Lakers in all four quarters and by halftime they were already leading by 18 points.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) misses a dunk against Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. William Liang-Imagn ImagesThe frustration around the Lakers' roster is palpable, especially with the whiplash they're experiencing after riding such a strong high for the past month.
Vanderbilt and Redick Go At It
That frustration came to a head for Jarred Vanderbilt in the second quarter when head coach JJ Redick made the move to sub him out of the game.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesVanderbilt looked irate on the sideline when Redick told him about the move and Vanderbilt immediately had words for his head coach.
Reaves came in and laid a hand on Vanderbilt's shoulder to calm him down, while Redick seemingly dismissed his player and walked away.
Detroit Pistons Daniss Jenkins (24) moves the ball up court next to Los Angeles Lakers Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. David Reginek-Imagn ImagesAfter the game, Redick didn't go into specifics about what was said between him and his player, nor did he offer up specifics about why exactly Vanderbilt was taken out of the game, though he did allude to the values that he believes the entire team needs to have with the current state of the roster and that can illuminate the decision.
"There's a confluence of things. Nothing personal with him. But, normal stuff for my end," Redick said (via The Sporting Tribune). "Being undermanned, we've got to scrap and claw. We've got to all be on the same page. We've got to be great teammates. We've got to all play hard."
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks with forward Drew Timme (17) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesRedick is known for his fire, both from his playing days and now that he's a head coach with the Lakers. The reaction that Redick described as normal for him can be incendiary for others and with the state of the franchise already so frustrating, it's easy to see why tempers may flare at times.
It's too soon to see if there's going to be any fallout between Redick and Vanderbilt after the incident, but for now the Lakers have their latest blowout loss to occupy their minds.