NBA teams usually do everything they can to fight off distractions, but for the Los Angeles Lakers, it was a bit different this past Monday. In fact, they couldn’t have been more thrilled to have a distraction, however temporary, to focus on. It was a chance for players and staff to shift their attention to something other than the reality of the fires that had been wreaking havoc on the city.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the biggest stars on the team, had to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing wildfires. Meanwhile, JJ Redick, a prominent figure in the NBA, also had to evacuate and faced the devastating loss of his own home. The rebuild was still far from beginning, with the wildfires continuing to rage and another round of strong winds keeping the city on edge.
But even with all this chaos swirling around them, Redick knew this moment could offer more than just a distraction. It could offer an opportunity to step back, focus on something else, and, perhaps, find strength in the process. Redick reflected on how his teammates, the staff, and the entire organization had rallied around him and the people of the city, providing love and support through such a tough time.
He said, “I think a group functions best when you draw strength from each other. And the way my players, my staff, the organization has supported, rallied around me — rallied around the city, clearly — loved on my family, there’s real strength in that. And that’s the sort of receiving of strength. Then it’s our job to go give strength, and give hope and give joy.”
His words were powerful: sports are more than just games. They can be a way to escape the harsh realities of life and, sometimes, offer a glimmer of joy when people need it most. Redick hoped that the game would serve as just that: a brief moment of distraction and happiness amidst the storm. The Lakers, as they faced off against the Spurs, played with that in mind, aiming to bring joy to a city battered by disaster.
The reality of the game, however, wasn’t quite so uplifting for the Lakers. While James and Davis tried to break through the immense 7-foot-3 frame of Victor Wembanyama, the fires that had forced the postponement of their last two games weren’t the only thing distracting the team. The Spurs, hungry for a win, pushed back with more physicality and toughness than the Lakers were ready for. The game ended with a 126-102 victory for the Spurs, marking the Lakers’ third straight loss, and the timing couldn’t have been worse.
“This game is over, and everything's still going on in the world,” Davis said, reflecting on the difficult balance between playing basketball and acknowledging the real-life struggles that were unfolding all around them. “So, bittersweet in a sense because we still have people who are dealing with real-life situations. And we get to go out here and play basketball. So it’s kinda tough.”
For the Lakers, this loss was another frustrating one, but Davis and James did their best to make a difference on the court. Together, they scored 48 points on 20-of-29 shooting. But even with such a strong individual performance, the Lakers’ supporting cast struggled. The Spurs’ offensive strategy seemed to zero in on Austin Reaves, who became the target once they successfully pulled Davis away from the rim. The team faced physical challenges from Rui Hachimura and Max Christie, who were unable to push back with the same intensity.
The Lakers’ defense was, unfortunately, lackluster, especially in the second half. The Spurs scored a staggering 73 points in the second half alone. Redick, who had been guiding the team from the sideline, noticed the defensive breakdowns. “The point of attack was not good tonight, and I’ll have to look at the film,” he said. “I turned to Ty Abbott, who had the scout today, and I just was like, ‘Man, feels like there’s no one to the paint for us.’”
Indeed, it seemed that every play was coming at the rim, and the Spurs capitalized on the Lakers’ weak defense, scoring an eye-popping 66 points in the paint. To make matters worse, the Lakers’ offense faltered in the fourth quarter, scoring only 13 points in a disheartening collapse.
The tide started to turn late in the third quarter. The Lakers were up by 10 points, but then the Spurs went on a blitz, scoring 10 straight points without Redick or the bench calling a timeout. That momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where the Spurs extended their lead and ultimately sealed the victory.
Davis admitted it was tough, saying, “We were eager to play basketball again in front of our fans. Sucks that we weren’t able to get to the win.”
Even though the Lakers were facing their third straight loss, they still had some reason to celebrate during halftime. The team took a moment to honor one of its past greats, Michael Cooper, by retiring his No. 21 jersey. This ceremony was particularly special, as Cooper had just been inducted into the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame, and many former Lakers players, including Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Pat Riley, were in attendance to celebrate the achievement.
Cooper, known for his commitment to playing the game the right way, was clearly humbled by the recognition. He shared his thoughts with the crowd: “I’ve always tried to play the game the right way. And it’s such a good feeling that people recognize that. Although I’ve always been on a team with a lot of mega stars, so sometimes I got overshadowed, but that didn’t bother me because it was about the body of work that we were putting together and winning championships.”
For Cooper, the spotlight had never truly been on him, but on his team’s success. However, this night was different, and he could stand proud as the center of attention. He was finally getting the recognition he deserved.
Despite the tough loss on the court, there was another moment of warmth and camaraderie that stood out. As the Lakers walked off the court with their heads low, Redick, ever the positive figure, walked to midcourt where Wembanyama and Chris Paul, two of the NBA's brightest stars, were waiting. They had something special for Redick’s sons, Knox and Kai, who had lost treasured memorabilia, including jerseys and signed cards, in the fires that had devastated the area.
In an incredible show of kindness, Paul and Wembanyama gave the boys their jerseys, understanding how much it meant to them as huge NBA fans. Redick explained the gesture: “(Chris Paul) called me this afternoon and said, ‘Vic and I are gonna go, whether you win or we win, we’re gonna go over and give the boys jerseys.’” It was a beautiful moment of support, and it didn’t end there. Austin Reaves had also made sure the boys received jerseys, leaving a couple in his locker after practice.
For Redick, it was a touching reminder of the power of community. The team had suffered a tough loss, but at the end of the day, it was these small acts of kindness and solidarity that made the night feel a little brighter. “I just appreciate all the love,” Redick said.
In the midst of all the chaos, the Lakers and their players found a moment of joy, even if fleeting, and perhaps that’s what people needed most right now.
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