JJ Redick Questioned After Lakers’ Loss to Thunder: Was the Small-Ball Adjustment Too Late?

The Los Angeles Lakers fell 119–110 to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, but much of the postgame discussion centered not on the players — but on head coach JJ Redick’s late-game decisions.

With the Lakers struggling offensively in the fourth quarter, critics and analysts are questioning why Redick waited so long to switch to a small-ball lineup that ultimately sparked a late rally. By the time the adjustment came, however, it was already too late.

Lakers Struggle Late Against Thunder

Los Angeles entered the fourth quarter in a competitive position but quickly lost momentum as their offense stalled. The team scored just 10 points deep into the final period while continuing to rely heavily on traditional big men in the lineup.

Redick finally shifted to a smaller, faster lineup with 2:46 remaining and the Lakers trailing by eight points. The change immediately created energy and spacing, allowing Los Angeles to mount a brief nine-point surge. Despite the late push, the comeback fell short as Oklahoma City closed out the win.

The decision to delay the adjustment has become a focal point of criticism, especially given the Lakers’ recent success closing games with smaller lineups.

Small-Ball Strategy Came Too Late

Throughout the season, Redick has often turned to small-ball units in clutch situations. Veteran center Deandre Ayton has frequently been benched late in games to prioritize speed, spacing, and perimeter scoring.

However, against Oklahoma City, Redick stuck with his big men longer than expected. Jaxson Hayes saw extended minutes, even as the Thunder countered with a more versatile lineup featuring Chet Holmgren at center. Analysts noted that players like LeBron James or Rui Hachimura could have handled defensive assignments against Holmgren, making the traditional big-man approach less necessary.

The delayed shift to small ball limited the Lakers’ offensive flow during a critical stretch. Once the smaller lineup entered, the team moved the ball more effectively and created better scoring opportunities — but the deficit had already grown.

Playing Without Luka Dončić

The Lakers were also operating without Luka Dončić, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. His absence significantly reduced the team’s offensive margin for error, placing additional pressure on lineup decisions and late-game execution.

Oklahoma City was without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but the Thunder’s depth proved decisive. Their balanced scoring and defensive versatility allowed them to maintain control even without their top player.

Los Angeles showed promise in the third quarter, briefly taking control of the game. However, their inability to sustain offensive production in the fourth quarter ultimately determined the outcome.

Ideal Closing Lineup Sparks Debate

Many observers believe Redick should have turned earlier to a small lineup featuring LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard. This combination offers improved shooting, ball movement, and scoring versatility — all crucial in late-game situations.

Austin Reaves, who recently returned from an extended absence, remains on a minutes restriction but still contributed 16 points and seven assists against the Thunder. Despite visible rust and five turnovers, his presence added playmaking and spacing that the Lakers lacked earlier in the fourth quarter.

The smaller lineup that eventually took the floor provided a better offensive balance, opening driving lanes and improving perimeter opportunities. However, the delay in deploying it prevented Los Angeles from fully capitalizing on its effectiveness.

Shooting Woes Hurt Lakers’ Chances

Beyond lineup decisions, the Lakers struggled with shooting efficiency. The team made just ten three-pointers and shot 32 percent from beyond the arc. Free-throw shooting also proved costly, with Los Angeles converting only 70 percent from the line.

Without Dončić’s offensive production, the Lakers needed greater scoring efficiency from role players and secondary stars.

Missed perimeter shots and inconsistent execution allowed Oklahoma City to maintain control during the decisive fourth quarter…

The Thunder capitalized on those struggles, using a late run to secure the victory and neutralize the Lakers’ final push…

Growing Pressure on Redick

As a first-year head coach, JJ Redick continues to navigate the challenges of managing star talent, injuries, and high expectations in Los Angeles. However, losses like this one intensify scrutiny around his decision-making, particularly in close games…

Rotational choices, late-game adjustments, and lineup optimization will remain under the microscope as the season progresses.

With championship aspirations and a roster built around elite players, every coaching decision carries added weight…

Monday night’s defeat has fueled debate about Redick’s approach and whether he must be quicker to deploy his most effective lineups in critical moments…

Looking Ahead for the Lakers

The Lakers still have time to build momentum and strengthen their playoff positioning, especially once Dončić returns to full health.

However, maximizing the current roster will require sharper in-game adjustments and consistent offensive execution.

If Los Angeles hopes to compete with top teams like Oklahoma City, the coaching staff must identify winning combinations earlier and trust them in high-pressure situations.

The loss to the Thunder serves as a reminder that in the NBA, timing and adjustments can determine outcomes.

For Redick, the question now becomes clear: can he refine his late-game strategy quickly enough to keep the Lakers on a championship path?