The Los Angeles Lakers stumbled out of the All-Star break with a frustrating loss to the Boston Celtics, failing to score 100 points in the defeat. With the setback, Los Angeles now finds itself tied for fifth place in the Western Conference standings — far from a comfortable position as the playoff race intensifies.
While offensive inconsistency played a major role in the loss, postgame discussion centered heavily on officiating. Head coach JJ Redick did not hold back when addressing what he believed was a blatant missed call that altered momentum during a critical stretch.
JJ Redick Blasts Officials Over Goaltending No-Call
The most controversial sequence involved Celtics big man Neemias Queta defending a floater attempt from Lakers center Deandre Ayton. Queta appeared to insert his hand through the rim — inside the cylinder — while contesting the shot. Ayton missed the attempt after the rim visibly shook.
Under NBA rules, placing a hand through the cylinder during a live shot attempt is typically ruled goaltending or basket interference. However, officials allowed play to continue.
Redick was incensed.
During the game, he demonstrated the play physically on the court while arguing the call, which resulted in a technical foul. Afterward, he doubled down on his frustration.
“Queta stuck his entire hand through the rim. Not just grabbing the net — he stuck it through the cylinder. That’s typically a goaltend. Not tonight, obviously. They recognized that he did that, and they said that’s not a goaltend. I’ll get some clarification on the rule on that, because honestly, that’s a great way to defend floaters.”
Redick’s sarcasm underscored his dissatisfaction. The missed call may not have directly decided the outcome, but it symbolized what he felt was inconsistent officiating in a tightly contested matchup.
Luka Dončić Shares the Frustration
Lakers star Luka Dončić was equally animated during the sequence. Dončić mirrored Redick’s demonstration while disputing the call, visibly expressing disbelief at the no-call decision.
Although neither Redick nor Dončić received the ruling they wanted, their reaction highlighted the emotional intensity surrounding the moment.
For a Lakers team trying to build rhythm after the break, the play represented a missed opportunity during a game where offensive execution was already lagging.
Offensive Woes Continue for Los Angeles
Failing to score 100 points against Boston further exposed ongoing offensive inconsistency. Over their last 10 games, the Lakers rank just 13th in offensive efficiency — hardly elite production for a team with championship aspirations.
Los Angeles attempted to address shooting limitations at the trade deadline by acquiring Luke Kennard, one of the league’s more accurate perimeter shooters. However, the improvement in three-point production has been modest at best.
When perimeter shots aren’t falling, the Lakers struggle to compensate with consistent half-court scoring.
Defensive Problems Remain a Major Concern
Perhaps more troubling than the offense is the defense.
The Lakers currently rank seventh-worst in the NBA defensively. That standing presents a major obstacle for postseason success. Championship contenders rarely sustain playoff runs without at least an above-average defensive foundation.
Los Angeles opted not to make significant defensive upgrades at the trade deadline, choosing instead to prioritize shooting depth. Veteran guard Marcus Smart has been relatively healthy this season compared to recent years, but his presence alone has not corrected the team’s perimeter breakdowns.
Smart’s defensive instincts remain strong, yet his offensive limitations complicate lineup flexibility. Extended minutes for him can constrict floor spacing — a delicate balance for Redick to manage.
The Western Conference Playoff Picture
With the Western Conference standings tightly packed, every loss carries added weight. The Lakers sitting in a tie for fifth is far from disastrous, but it leaves little margin for error.
Key factors that will determine Los Angeles’ postseason ceiling include:
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Health of their primary stars
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Offensive efficiency in clutch situations
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Defensive consistency against elite teams
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Improved three-point shooting
If the Lakers cannot elevate their offense into the top ten while simultaneously tightening their defensive rotations, they risk another early playoff exit.
JJ Redick’s Leadership Under the Microscope
Redick’s fiery reaction reflects a coach deeply invested in accountability — both internally and externally. His willingness to publicly question officiating sends a message that he expects competitive fairness, but it also underscores mounting pressure.
As a first-year head coach navigating a high-profile roster, Redick must balance emotional intensity with strategic adjustments. While the missed goaltending call drew headlines, the broader issue remains systemic: the Lakers need sustainable two-way improvement.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The loss to Boston may not define the season, but it serves as a reminder that the Lakers are still searching for identity consistency.
For Los Angeles to make a legitimate playoff run:
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The offense must rediscover rhythm and spacing.
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Defensive communication needs tightening — especially in transition and on the perimeter.
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Star players must remain healthy through the final stretch.
The margin between a deep playoff push and a first-round exit in the West is razor thin.
Redick’s postgame comments captured frustration in the moment. But the bigger challenge lies ahead: transforming that frustration into measurable improvement.
If the Lakers cannot solve their defensive vulnerabilities and stabilize their offensive production, officiating controversies will be the least of their concerns when the postseason arrives.
