The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 119-103 on Thursday at Chase Center in San Francisco. LeBron James finished with 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in 32 minutes.
James shot 11-of-17 from the field and made three three-pointers before briefly exiting after jamming his hand on a defensive play.
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized James’ influence beyond the box score.
“That is the word I used in the locker room after the game with the guys,” Redick said when describing LeBron’s leadership.
Redick added that the tone was set earlier in the day. “Thought his leadership all day long in the meeting, in the walkthrough this morning,” he said.
He also highlighted execution and efficiency. “Just the way he carried himself. He really set the tone for the team,” Redick said.
Redick described the performance as complete across multiple categories. “Obviously the play was fantastic, the offensive efficiency,” he said.
He added, “And then the full complete game with the assists and the rebounds and steals and blocks.”
Redick also addressed Luke Kennard’s role in the system and public perception of his game.
“It’s easy cuz he’s a white guy that shoots threes to just think he’s just a shooter,” Redick said.
He referenced Kennard’s reputation early in his career. “I’m sure every time he checked into an AAU tournament in 8th grade, everybody screamed, ‘Shooter, shooter, shooter.’”
Redick noted Kennard’s playmaking and decision-making. He said he has long viewed him as more than a perimeter threat and highlighted his ability to control pace and create advantages.
Redick also spoke on team mentality after recent struggles, calling the matchup a turning point in approach.
“I told the guys before the game… tonight was a spirit game for all of us, to have the right spirit to be all in,” he said.
He expanded on the team’s season-long resilience. “We have been on hikes all season long and gotten lost in the woods,” Redick said. “We get back to the meadow and find civilization.”
On late-game injury concerns involving James, Redick said the staff had limited information. “I have not got an update on that,” he said.
He added that Deandre Ayton delivered key production in the third quarter through post actions and spacing reads.
Redick also praised Jake LaRavia’s defensive consistency, noting his physicality, deflections, and execution within coverages.
On game planning adjustments with James, Redick said usage remains matchup-driven, with increased post touches and varied offensive roles depending on defensive looks.
The Lakers improved their positioning in the Western Conference standings with the win, while Golden State continued to manage injuries and roster limitations.
