Jake LaRavia admits there’s ‘disconnect’ on Lakers after loss to Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent slide hit another low point on Christmas Day, and signs of internal frustration are beginning to surface. Following a 119–96 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena, Lakers forward Jake LaRavia offered a candid assessment of the team’s current struggles, admitting there is a noticeable “disconnect” within the locker room. The defeat was the Lakers’ third straight loss, and it unfolded in discouraging fashion. Los Angeles came out flat, struggled to match Houston’s intensity from the opening minutes, and never established any offensive rhythm. By halftime, the Rockets had already seized firm control, and any hopes of a second-half comeback quickly faded as the Lakers failed to generate momentum on either end of the floor. Despite the rough stretch, the Lakers still hold a respectable 19–10 record, including 7–5 at home, but recent performances have exposed troubling issues. Injuries have played a major role in the downturn. The absence of key rotation players such as Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton has forced constant lineup adjustments, making it difficult for the team to build chemistry and consistency. However, LaRavia suggested that the problem extends beyond missing personnel. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, LaRavia acknowledged that the team feels out of sync internally, even if he couldn’t clearly articulate the root cause. “Jake LaRavia said there is a ‘disconnect’ within the team right now, but he could not quite verbalize what it was or the cause of it,” McMenamin reported. That admission raises concerns, as a lack of clarity about the issue itself can be just as troubling as poor on-court execution. While some observers have questioned the Lakers’ effort level, LaRavia’s comments point toward deeper challenges involving communication, cohesion, or shared urgency. Veteran leader LeBron James has taken a more measured stance. In recent remarks, he emphasized that the team should not overreact to a short slump, suggesting that these struggles could simply be part of a long NBA season. His message was one of patience and perspective rather than panic. Still, the situation may grow more complicated. Austin Reaves reaggravated his calf injury during the loss to Houston, putting his availability in doubt moving forward. If Reaves is sidelined again, LaRavia is expected to see an expanded role. Against the Rockets, he logged 23 minutes, finishing with five points, four rebounds, and one block, a modest contribution that may need to increase as the Lakers navigate their injury concerns.