JJ Redick

JJ Redick explains Lakers’ struggles in second half against Mavs

Published

October 16, 2025

Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers started off hot against the Dallas Mavericks during their recent preseason game. LA scored 36 and 30 points in the first two quarters.

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After looking great, the Lakers fell off in the second half. They scored just 20 and eight points in the final two quarters. This led to the Lakers losing 121-94 to the Mavs.

After the game, head coach JJ Redick spoke about his team’s second-half woes.

“A level of toughness, but that wasn’t there tonight. It’s a lot to ask that group that was out there for the fourth to generate good shots. That’s just the reality. Now, who those guys are right now, that’s not an excuse for a lack of toughness, a lack of just on-court, ‘Hey, let’s figure this out, play a little harder,’” Redick explained.

JJ on what was needed in the 4th:

"A level of toughness, but that wasn't there tonight." pic.twitter.com/MxyGZrmpnP

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 16, 2025

Ultimately, it is just a preseason game, but there is some truth here. If the Lakers want to be successful during the regular season, they will need to play with more toughness if they want to survive in the Western Conference.

About the Author Published Oct 16, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1