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Gabe Smallson

By Gabe Smallson

Contributing Sports Writer

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke candidly regarding his team's transition defense through their first two preseason games.

According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, Redick called the transition game "dogs--t," with his team dropping both preseason contests to the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, respectively.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Bronny James #9 after taking him out of the game against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA preseason game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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There is certainly much to unpack with the pair of losses, and although they won't count towards the regular season total, Redick was, to say the least, unhappy.

After the first preseason game of the season, Redick voiced his frustrations with his team after a 103-81 loss to the Suns and spoke on what he was hoping to get out of his squad.

"Three things: run, talk, compete. I thought, given the workload of the last three days, our ability to run and play hard was pretty good, our talk was not good, and I would say the stretch at the end of the first quarter to start the third was not competitive.

"I am not expecting perfection in a preseason game, but there's room for growth in those areas."

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The margin for error in LA appears to be much smaller than in seasons past. During media day, Redick spoke on the precautions he is taking to get his team into a winning mindset to make a deep playoff run.

“We’re going to ask guys to be in championship shape, have championship communication, and championship habits… It’s a daily commitment,” Redick said. “Our guys this summer have been awesome, and I know LeBron is always committed to those things. Luka’s been committed. It’s a daily commitment and [Seven-time National Championship winning head coach Nick] Saban has this thing where he says ‘Don’t tell me, show me’ and that’s what we’re asking of our players.”

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