JJ Redick reflected on the team’s slow start in Thursday’s 120‑113 loss to the Denver Nuggets. “I didn’t think we started the game, didn’t start the first possession. It was 15‑2, so actually 13 points, and our group showed a lot of resiliency tonight,” he said.
On defending Nikola Jokic, Redick noted, “The full front on Jokic is difficult with their roster this year. Our smalls both as low men when we doubled and on him when switching did a fantastic job just being physical and turning him over.”
Redick addressed Deandre Ayton’s early exit due to injury. “I think it’s just left knee soreness. It was right knee before, now it’s left. He leaves after four minutes or so and doesn’t return,” he explained.
Regarding LeBron James’ left elbow, Redick said, “He fell on it. It was bothering him enough that he didn’t feel comfortable doing the inbound pass. We put Luke in for him. He’s got ice on it right now.”
He highlighted Marcus Smart’s contribution: “He hit some big ones throughout the game. We got good looks, and he was ready to take any.”
Redick also praised the Lakers’ ability to create opportunities. “We were able to generate some turnovers, get out in transition off of some of those turnovers, off of some misses. But we missed four layups plus a follow dunk—five layups in the second half—which really hurt us,” he said.
On Luka Doncic’s technical foul, Redick noted, “I didn’t get any feedback from the officials on what happened on his leg.”
Redick emphasized Jaxson Hayes’ strong performance in Ayton’s absence. “Very confident. He was terrific tonight, played basically 28 minutes, and that was a lot for him. Not having Maxi hurt us, but Jaxson, I definitely have confidence in him,” he said.
He also spoke about LeBron’s all-around impact despite the injury. “He has a lot of records, accumulated assists, rebounds, steals, blocks. He’s been a complete player for 23 years. Still remarkable how dynamic he is in transition. He caught it in the pocket and found Jaxson; he had spray-out paint touch threes generated from getting in the paint. Just a phenomenal basketball player,” Redick said.
Redick credited Rui Hachimura’s shooting. “We played small ball and spread them out because of DA being out. That got Rui some good looks, and he felt like he was in a pretty good rhythm tonight,” he explained.
The Lakers remain 37‑25 in the Western Conference standings, one game behind the Denver Nuggets at 39‑24. Los Angeles returns home to face the Indiana Pacers Friday.
