JJ Redick shakes up the Lakers: fierce criticism of their defense after a disastrous preseason

JJ Redick kicked off the 2025-26 season with a clear message for fans and the team: the label of “championship defense” is just a concept if the fundamentals aren’t built first.

In recent statements, Redick emphasized the importance of habits, communication, and physical conditioning as essential pillars for the Lakers to achieve a competitive defensive level.

“I could have said ‘championship defense.’ What does that mean? It means nothing. Literally nothing,” the former player and analyst remarked, highlighting that defensive success isn’t measured by words but by consistent execution.

The preseason raised warning signs. The Lakers finished with a 1-5 record, ranking 24th in defensive rating and 28th offensively.

Without LeBron James or Luka Doncic for most games, the team showed structural fragility and relied heavily on young players like Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves.

JJ Redick acknowledged that, despite having talents like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt, the absence of an interior defensive anchor after trading Anthony Davis for Doncic has weakened the defensive identity that once defined the team.

JJ Redick says in order for LAL to become a good team in ‘25-26, their defense must reach a cohesive level like they had in ‘24-25. But he has to instill habits, not just tell his guys to play championship defense. “What does that mean? … It literally doesn’t mean anything” pic.twitter.com/uR8RflQrPE

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 19, 2025

Acknowledging weaknesses and seeking solutions

For Redick, the arrival of Deandre Ayton offers opportunities for improvement but also highlights the lack of natural defenders who can make a difference.

“We are a team defense… we don’t have, like last year and this year, players who can block for us. So we rely on team help defense and switching,” he explained.

This candid evaluation from JJ Redick underscores that the Lakers must rebuild cohesion and defensive discipline before aiming to compete for a title.

New challenges for JJ Redick and the Angeles Lakers

Additionally, the season will start with extra challenges. LeBron James will miss several weeks due to sciatica, forcing the team to rely on its younger, more agile, but less experienced rotation.

Redick also stressed the importance of physical conditioning and intensity from players like Jarred Vanderbilt, who must maintain their performance to uphold the defense in the absence of the stars.

JJ Redick makes it clear that labels and headlines don’t define the Lakers’ reality: without solid habits, effective communication, and physical preparedness, “championship defense” remains an empty concept, and the true test will come in the games that truly matter.