HOUSTON — Lakers’ Offensive Challenges Continue in Game 4 Loss
It wasn’t exactly a shock to see the Lakers struggle offensively in their Game 4 defeat against the Rockets. Coach JJ Redick pointed out that the Rockets ranked as a top-10 defensive team this season, finishing sixth in defensive rating.
Given the Lakers’ impressive 46.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc in the series’ first three games, some regression in shooting was expected. But most of their offensive challenges on Sunday appeared to stem from lingering issues that started in their Game 3 win, which required a stunning comeback to achieve.
In fact, the Lakers averaged just 22.3 points over six critical quarters against the Rockets, scoring a series-low 96 points in Game 4. They were limited to only 38 points combined in the third and fourth quarters of Game 3.
Redick remarked, “It’s tough to create offense without our two lead scorers,” referring to Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), who together averaged nearly 56 points and almost 14 assists during the regular season.
Looking ahead, Redick noted the need to reassess their offensive strategy, observing that their points per shot were lower than the season averages. “It circles back to protecting the ball,” he said, indicating a need for improvement in that area.
LeBron James accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ ball security issues, having committed eight turnovers—part of the Lakers’ total of 24 give-ups. This came after he had made eight turnovers in Game 3 as well. Interestingly, the Lakers managed to win Games 1 and 3 despite these turnovers, which didn’t hold true in Game 4.
“We knew we had to protect the ball against them and avoid silly mistakes,” James commented. “It starts with me. My turnovers were unacceptable. I’ll do better come Wednesday.”
Marcus Smart, who had four turnovers in Game 4, suggested that mental fatigue, rather than physical exhaustion, played a key role in the Lakers’ mistakes. He mentioned that Game 4 marked the first time in the series they had a day off between games.
With two days off leading up to Wednesday’s Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena, followed by a day off, the Lakers have several opportunities to clinch the series. However, they know they need to step up their game.
“We were struggling with basic passes, myself included,” Smart admitted. “It’s something we have to fix. It’s not going to get any easier.”
Despite the Lakers’ offensive woes, the Rockets’ aggressive defense is certainly contributing to their struggles. The urgency to perform, given the nearing end of the season, has led Houston to increase their defensive intensity, making it difficult for the Lakers to score.
Even with the setbacks, the Lakers hold a 3-1 lead in the series, returning to Los Angeles with three potential chances to wrap things up.
Interestingly, discussions around officiating were just as prevalent in the aftermath as the team’s offensive performance. Yet, the Rockets have proven they can be unpredictable, suggesting no outcome is guaranteed.
As James put it, “You never feel comfortable until the series is over. None of us are.” If their Game 5 display mirrors that of Game 4, they could very well find themselves back in Houston for another match.
