"Good lord what a stinker": NBA Analyst compares JJ Redick’s Lakers to Darvin Ham-led team after blowout loss

NBA analyst Jason Timpf shared his candid reaction after the LA Lakers suffered a second consecutive defeat, with a confidence-shattering 134-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. JJ Redick’s team had opened the season with a strong 3-0 record at home, but LeBron James and Co. have started their five-game road trip on a sour note.

Following a loss to the Suns on Monday, the Lakers were thoroughly outplayed by the Cavaliers in their second road game, with Redick’s squad delivering a lackluster performance.

Observing the Lakers’ play, Timpf acknowledged the challenge of playing their fourth game in six nights but drew an interesting comparison to the team’s struggles last December under coach Darvin Ham.

"Trying the cut the Lakers some slack because that was their 4th game in 6 nights on short rest after a flight across the country," Timpf said. "And the Cavs are a very good basketball team that threw a great punch. But good lord what a stinker. Looked like December of last year."

The Lakers had a rough stretch in December 2023, losing eight out of 14 games and former coach Darvin Ham faced heavy criticism for the team’s poor performance that month. Following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit, the franchise decided to part ways with Ham.

Jason Timpf surprised by JJ Redick

JJ Redick has received widespread praise from the basketball community for his immediate impact with the Lakers. As a rookie head coach, the former NBA player demonstrated sharp decision-making in the first three games, excelling at calling plays, making timely substitutions and using timeouts effectively to disrupt opponents’ momentum.

However, during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Redick’s hesitation to call a timeout during a critical stretch caught NBA analyst Jason Timpf by surprise. Timpf suggested that Redick’s decision not to call a timeout may have allowed the Cavaliers to build even more momentum.

"What a bizarre stretch of basketball in the Cavs/Lakers game," Timpf said. "AD gets clearly fouled in the face, no call, which happens, whatever. But he straight up stops playing for 4 possessions and JJ Reddick doesn’t call a timeout as the Cavs hit b2b threes. Just weird."

The Lakers have a 3-2 record following their blowout loss to the Cavaliers. JJ Redick’s team will have a chance to bounce back to winning ways when they face the Toronto Raptors on Friday.