Writer/coach collaborating with NBA events & coaching Japanese youth through Eigo de Basket. Holds a Master’s in Advanced Education. Combines on-court coaching insight with expert NBA analysis and player development knowledge to cover the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers' season has shown a stark contrast. After losses, there are frank comments about frustration and isolation. After wins, there's praise for teamwork and trust.
On January 26, 2026, the Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls 129-118. But the path to this win included painful lessons. After setbacks against the Phoenix Suns on December 2 (125-108 loss) and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 23 (112-104 loss), the Lakers understand the formula for success. The problem is they haven't been consistent in executing it.
敗戦後——信頼の欠如 | After Losses — Lack of Trust
現地1月23日のクリッパーズ戦後、JJ・レディックHCは痛烈に指摘しました。
After the January 23 loss to the Clippers, head coach JJ Redick offered a pointed critique.
"Just a poor job of just defensive coverage execution and then just didn't trust each other on the offensive end. Not enough passing. That was a lot of the game, not enough passing. That's a consistent thing when we don't play well. We don't pass to each other and we don't execute defensively."
Redick emphasized the importance of trust, particularly for ball handlers including Luka Doncic.
"There's got to be a trust factor with all our guys just to trust the pass. That starts with Luka. He's going to have the ball the most of everyone. He's got to trust the pass. He gets two on him, and he's playing in a crowd; he's got to pass the ball. I think as much as we can talk about being connected on defense, you got to be connected on offense."
Writer/coach collaborating with NBA events & coaching Japanese youth through Eigo de Basket. Holds a Master’s in Advanced Education. Combines on-court coaching insight with expert NBA analysis and player development knowledge to cover the NBA.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
Born in New York and raised in Tokyo, Chris transitioned into broadcasting and analysis after retiring as a player. Known for his clear delivery and data-driven insights, he now works as a commentator, reporter, simultaneous interpreter, and writer.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
Yoko is a veteran sports writer and NBA specialist based in Los Angeles, known for insightful coverage of the NBA and global basketball. She has also served as a media voter for NBA All-Star selections and league awards.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.
Writer/coach collaborating with NBA events & coaching Japanese youth through Eigo de Basket. Holds a Master’s in Advanced Education. Combines on-court coaching insight with expert NBA analysis and player development knowledge to cover the NBA.
A writer for The Playmaker, I coach players and study the game through player development and basketball theory. I collaborate with Chris Sasaki on media and analysis projects, delivering clear, practical insights for both players and fans.