The Lakers got a hot start this season, winning 10 of their first 14 games. However, they’ve gone into a downward spiral since. LeBron James and Anthony Davis haven’t been producing the goods, while the role players have also looked off-color.

The Lakers are heading towards a sixth loss in eight games, dropping to 12-10 on the season. A year ago, on the same stage under Darvin Ham, LA was 13-9.

On Nov. 26, Skip Bayless advised LeBron James and JJ Redick to return to being podcast co-hosts amid the Lakers’ rough patch and preserve their friendship as he thought the Lakers weren’t responding to the rookie coach. He also called out LeBron, saying he always needs a ‘scapegoat.’

LeBron James has JJ Redick’s back amid rough patch

Skip Bayless may have other notions about LeBron James finding ‘scapegoats,’ but the Lakers star proved him wrong on Wednesday. The four-time MVP was vocal about having JJ Redick’s back after a 41-point loss to the Miami Heat.

“It’s been preached since July, so there should be an understanding. … It’s not on the coaches. It’s definitely on us, [the players], for sure.”

LeBron agreed with everything Redick said about the loss after the rookie coach demanded ‘ownership’ from the players while taking accountability himself for the team’s disastrous turnaround.

The Lakers looked promising at the start of the season with Redick’s fresh ideas and schemes. However, they have returned to some old habits, especially with their lack of intent and effort. The Miami Heat outhustled the Lakers at home after LA seemingly looked lethargic on both ends, failing to execute any of its plans.