Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke ahead of Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs, highlighting the mindset he sought from veterans like Marcus Smart.
“I remember playing in Orlando and getting to the Finals and the Conference Finals, being a playoff team every year and playing with a superstar like Dwight [Howard], and then going through a year on a rebuilding team… I just wanted to be on a team that was on the stage and had a chance to compete for a championship,” Redick said, reflecting on his own experience as a player while discussing what he valued when Smart joined Los Angeles.
Redick highlighted the importance of integrating LeBron James and other key players. “We’ve gotten a great version of him when he’s been healthy and on the court. We just have to continue to integrate him,” he noted, stressing how cohesion among veterans and young stars drives team performance.
Discussing Deandre Ayton, Redick pointed to the competitive environment as a growth factor. “It’s been really good for him. Winning, stakes, competition—he’s growing in that setting,” he said, showing how experience in high-pressure games sharpens focus.
Redick also outlined the Spurs’ threats, particularly De’Aaron Fox. “He’s obviously a very dynamic guard. We have to do a good job of maintaining. It’s not just him—Vassell and Castle are good movers and will challenge us,” he said, acknowledging San Antonio’s offensive versatility.
On defense, Redick credited the Lakers’ fourth-quarter success to marginal gains across multiple areas. “We just have to continue to try and get marginally better at a bunch of different things,” he said, highlighting contributions from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Ayton in critical moments.
He also addressed mental toughness in the modern NBA. “Guys now just value, did I play well or did I play poor? Getting them neutral and consistent every day is incredibly difficult,” Redick explained, noting the effect of social media and constant evaluation on player mindset.
Health will play a role in the quarterfinal. Only Maxi Kleber is questionable for Los Angeles with a lumbar strain, while Luka Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James are available. San Antonio faces a major setback with Victor Wembanyama out due to a left calf strain, while Jordan McLaughlin is listed as questionable.
The Lakers narrowly defeated the Spurs 118-116 in their only meeting this season on November 5, a matchup that showcased the importance of interior defense and perimeter execution.
