Lakers Coach Redick Addresses Perception of Team as Preferred Playoff Opponent

Injuries to key players have made the Lakers less intimidating, but the team remains in strong playoff position.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Lakers basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of purple, gold, and other vibrant colors, capturing the team's competitive spirit despite key injuries.The Lakers' depleted roster faces an uphill battle, but LeBron James' leadership could propel the team to an unexpected playoff run.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has stated that opposing teams in the Western Conference likely view his team as a preferred first-round opponent for the 2026 NBA playoffs due to significant injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Despite the injuries and external perceptions, the Lakers have maintained a strong position in the standings, sitting in fourth place heading into the final game of the regular season.

Why it matters

The Lakers' injuries to Doncic and Reaves have impacted the team's scoring output and perception around the league, but LeBron James' increased production and leadership have kept the team competitive. How the Lakers perform in the playoffs with their depleted roster will be closely watched.

The details

Redick believes the absences of Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury) have made the team less intimidating to other Western Conference squads whose seeding has not yet been finalized. Lakers guard Luke Kennard acknowledged the logic behind this perception, noting the team is missing approximately 60 points per game with Doncic and Reaves out. Despite the injuries, the Lakers hold a 52-29 record and sit in fourth place heading into the final game of the regular season. Redick has pushed back against the narrative surrounding the franchise, highlighting the gap between the team's actual performance and the low preseason expectations.

  • The comments from Redick followed the Lakers' 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2026.
  • As of April 11, 2026, the Lakers hold a 52-29 record and sit in fourth place heading into the final game of the regular season.

The players

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who addressed the team's perception as a preferred playoff opponent due to key injuries.

Luka Doncic

A primary contributor for the Lakers who is sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

A key player for the Lakers who is unavailable due to a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.

LeBron James

The Lakers' star player who has taken on an increased leadership role and production load since the injuries to Doncic and Reaves.

Luke Kennard

A Lakers guard who has contributed strong play since the injuries to Doncic and Reaves.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure everybody wants to play us, let's get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“We're missing approximately 60 points per game with Doncic and Reaves out of the lineup.”

— Luke Kennard, Lakers Guard

What’s next

The Lakers will play their final regular season game on April 14, 2026, as they look to secure their playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Despite the Lakers' injuries and external perceptions, the team has maintained a strong position in the standings and will look to LeBron James' leadership to guide them through the playoffs. The team's ability to overcome adversity and make a deep postseason run will be closely watched.