The Los Angeles Lakers have been unable to sustain the consistency or the explosive start they displayed during the early stages of the season. Now they are stumbling one day, then again the next, and then once more after that, showing little stability as the schedule continues to advance.
The team’s problems have become increasingly evident as the season progresses. The Lakers look old, tired, and short on ideas. At least, that was the prevailing perception surrounding the team during their game against the Charlotte Hornets, a matchup they ultimately lost by a 135-117 margin.
LeBron James’ intense stare at DeAndre Ayton during Kings game
Unlike the Los Angeles lineup, the Hornets appeared quick, agile, and full of youthful energy. Faced with this troubling scene on the court, head coach JJ Redick did not hold back when addressing his own team after the defeat.
JJ Redick’s comments after the loss to the Charlotte Hornets
These guys grew up watching LeBron James play.”…”The Lakers are, like the Celtics, arguably the most storied franchise in all of sports… I think all the guys know, we don’t get a lot of off nights from other teams in terms of energy and being up.”
Redick stated following the loss, making his position clear about the challenge his players face every night.
According to the coach, his team played well in certain aspects, but there is something within the core of his lineup that must improve significantly if they want to avoid collapsing again in games of this nature.
The Lakers remain one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA, yet they have relied for too long on players of considerable age. Against younger opponents with superior physical strength, there is often little left to counter with consistency or sustained intensity.
For instance, Jabari Smith Jr. told LeBron James that he had played against his father back in 2003. The comment quickly went viral, and understandably so. Even if the ‘King’ insists he still feels strong, time has caught up with him, and the moment has arrived to step aside and allow new generations to take over the team.
As much as it can be said that he remains physically fit, being over 40 years old is not the same as trying to perform like a player in his twenties. The body simply does not respond the same way. Painful as it may be, this reality should serve as the final push for LeBron to move on and let youth fully assume control of the Lakers.
The Lakers remain competitive but surrounded by doubts
The Los Angeles team currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference. It is worth remembering that during the first two months of the season, they occupied second place, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, something shifted along the way, disrupting their ability to string together consistent victories. As a result, they have fallen to fifth with a 24-15 record. Ahead of them are the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold a 27-14 mark.
The Lakers’ next game will take place this Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Portland Trail Blazers. That contest will be followed by another matchup the following Sunday, the 18th, when they face the Toronto Raptors.
