Inside the Lakers’ Losing Streak: Why a Team Meeting Can’t Fix Their Defense

The Los Angeles Lakers lost their third straight game on Thursday. The Houston Rockets beat them 119-96 at home. The loss highlighted major problems for the struggling team.

Dec 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward Lebron James (23) react after a foul call during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Forward Jake LaRavia admitted a “disconnect” exists in the locker room. This came after head coach JJ Redick promised an uncomfortable team meeting. The Lakers’ early-season momentum has completely vanished.

Defensive Collapse Reaches Critical Point

The Lakers’ defense has been terrible in December. Their defensive rating of 124.3 ranks 28th in the league. The Rockets exploited this weakness easily.

Houston shot over 53% from the field. They also dominated the boards with 48 total rebounds. The Lakers gave up 17 offensive rebounds, making their task impossible.

This was arguably the worst loss in a bad stretch. The Rockets arrived having lost four of their last five. They still cruised to a decisive victory in Los Angeles.

Underlying Issues Masked by Early Wins

Player comments reveal these problems are not new. Jarred Vanderbilt noted issues were shadowed by early wins. The team started the season with a strong 15-4 record.

Their offense was elite in November, ranking fifth. That has fallen to 15th in December. The defensive flaws are now exposed without that offensive firepower.

Analysis suggests trades may be needed for a real fix. A team meeting can address communication, but not talent gaps. The front office faces pressure to make a move.

The Lakers’ losing streak has exposed a fundamental defensive flaw. A team meeting might address morale, but it cannot solve the roster’s limitations. Their playoff hopes depend on more than just talk.

Thought you’d like to know

What did JJ Redick say after the loss?

The Lakers coach was highly critical of his team’s performance. He stated the upcoming practice and meeting would be uncomfortable. Redick indicated some players would likely be called out directly.

How has the Lakers’ defense performed recently?

Their defense has been among the league’s worst in December. They rank 28th with a poor defensive rating. Rebounding and transition defense have been consistent problems.

What did Jarred Vanderbilt say about the team’s issues?

Vanderbilt said the problems existed even during their winning start. He noted that victories tend to shadow underlying issues. The current losses have simply highlighted the ongoing trends.

What are the main reasons for the Lakers’ slump?

The defensive collapse is the primary reason. A significant drop in offensive efficiency has compounded the issue. The team is struggling on both ends of the court.

Can the Lakers turn their season around?

It will require a significant shift in defensive effort and scheme. Some analysts believe roster changes are necessary for a deep playoff run. Their immediate focus is on stopping the current skid.

Trusted Sources

This report was constructed from verified game statistics and postgame commentary. Information was cross-referenced with reporting from established sports news outlets including ESPN and The Athletic. All facts and player quotes are sourced from official postgame press conferences and league data.

Disclaimer: This article is a news report based on available facts and postgame statements. It does not include speculation or unattributed opinion.