The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game skid with a 129-101 road win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night at Chase Center, and head coach JJ Redick pointed to ball movement and decision-making as the difference.
“He was just making the right play in front of us,” Redick said postgame. “I thought our starters really set the tone with that, and Luke Kennard just starts the blender for us.”
The Lakers shot 53% from the field and 19-of-41 from 3-point range. Luka Doncic led the way with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while LeBron James added 22 points and nine assists on 7-of-13 shooting with four 3-pointers.
Redick described the offense as a read-and-react system built on creating advantages.
“Just to be able to create a closeout and then make the right read and right play from there,” he said. “I thought our guys were incredibly unselfish tonight.”
Los Angeles improved to 35-24, holding sixth place in the Western Conference. The victory also ended a three-game road losing streak.
Kennard scored 16 points off the bench and hit four 3s in 27 minutes. Redick emphasized the guard’s role beyond shotmaking.
“He’s got a really good we score mentality,” the coach said. “A play can be for him, but he’s going to hunt out the best shot and play for the team. All the guys benefit from that when the ball moves.”
The Lakers built a 33-16 lead after hitting 12 of their first 21 shots. Golden State, playing without Stephen Curry for a 10th straight game due to a knee injury and Kristaps Porzingis because of illness, shot 12-of-44 from beyond the arc.
When asked about sustaining runs, Redick pointed to execution.
“It goes back to just finding that consistent level of playing the right way on both ends, doing what we’re supposed to be doing, executing at a high level,” he said. “It was definitely our most complete game post All-Star break.”
The Lakers extended a 10-point margin into a 20- and then 30-point cushion by returning to structured sets when needed.
“Anytime we got a little disorganized, we were able to get back to some go-to stuff to calm the group,” Redick said. “Anytime we felt a little discombobulated, just getting back to neutral.”
Redick cited specific actions, including horns and chin sets, to generate quality looks.
“That’s just connective offense right there,” he said. “That’s just what Luke does.”
Austin Reaves added 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, and Deandre Ayton grabbed 10 rebounds as Los Angeles assisted on 29 field goals.
“It did,” Redick said when asked if the performance provided reference points for his group. “These guys want to do it right. They’re trying. We’re trying to find solutions. I’m confident we are going to find that level that we want to get to.”
The Lakers return home Sunday to host Sacramento, while the Warriors, now 31-29, face the Clippers on Monday.
