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Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play.
JJ Redick did not raise his voice. He did not name a name. But he delivered a sentence that landed heavier than any missed shot.
After the Los Angeles Lakers’ 132–108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, Redick offered a pointed critique of an unnamed player — and in doing so, revealed the depth of the team’s growing frustration.
“We had a guy the other day who hasn’t played a lot, who didn’t know what a flood was in the middle of a game,” Redick said postgame. “So, when we’re not healthy and we haven’t been healthy, we clearly have some room to grow in that area.”
The comment stood out not for its anger, but for its precision. Redick did not question effort. He questioned understanding — the shared language that holds a team together.
What a “Flood” Is — and Why Redick’s Reference Mattered
In basketball terms, a “flood” is a common offensive concept used against zone defenses. It involves overloading one side of the floor with multiple players to force defenders into mismatches, open up post entries, or create clean three-point looks.
Former Graceland University coach Craig Doty explained the concept in a 2018 instructional video, noting that flood actions stretch defensive responsibility horizontally and vertically at the same time — testing recognition and communication as much as physical ability.
For Redick to publicly note that a player did not recognize such a concept was significant.
It suggested not a mistake, but a breakdown in awareness.
Lakers’ Defensive Slide Reflects Execution Gaps
The loss dropped the Lakers to 17–10 and marked their second consecutive defeat. Over their last 10 games, Los Angeles’ defensive rating is 123.5, 28th in the NBA during that stretch while going 5–5.
The defensive issues have coincided with mounting injuries that have destabilized the rotation.
Luka Dončić missed Tuesday’s game with a calf contusion. Rui Hachimura was sidelined with right groin soreness. Gabe Vincent remained out with lower back tightness. Center Jaxson Hayes exited early after suffering an ankle injury, logging just five minutes before being ruled out.
With multiple rotation players unavailable, Redick has been forced to lean on a mix of young and lightly used players, including Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero and Chris Mañon.
The result is a group that often looks unfamiliar with its own spacing, reads and responsibilities.
The Comment Was Not About One Player — It Was About Standards
Redick declined to identify the player he referenced. But by not naming him, the comment became less personal and more institutional. It was a statement about what the Lakers expect — and what they are not currently getting.
Redick’s frustration appeared rooted not in effort, but in the kinds of mistakes that undermine systems: missed switches, late rotations, and a lack of recognition in real time.
Those are not energy problems. They are understanding problems.
Christmas Day Looms as a Chance for Reset for Lakers
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers hopes to play on Christmas Day.
The Lakers now turn quickly toward Thursday’s Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets (17–10), scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
Dončić has been upgraded to questionable.
“There’s still a possibility — a very real possibility — that he feels good enough to go Thursday,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said Tuesday on NBA Today. “They’re saying this is just a bruise, and they’re working on some sort of wrap or padding.”
Redick confirmed the team is being cautious.
“It’s happened a bunch this season,” Redick said after Monday’s practice. “We’re looking at ways to better protect his legs when there are collisions like that.”
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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