Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the media following his team’s 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday at crypto.com Arena, emphasizing focus, health management, and playoff preparation.
On the upcoming first-round matchup against Houston, Redick said, “We knew the reality whether we got three, four, five, six, whatever it was. There’s no easy matchup.”
He added, “Houston’s obviously a really really good basketball team. And we’re going to prepare and we’re going to fight and we’re going to go try to win the series.”
Redick stressed the team’s internal focus, stating, “Going into today we told the team it’s not about the opponent, it’s about us. And now it is about the opponent.”
He continued, “We’re going to do everything we can to get our guys in a great frame of mind, great physical shape over the next four or five days and be ready to play.”
When asked about balancing short-term preparation with longer-term injury situations, Redick said, “Again, it’s the task at hand. We got game one, whatever that is, with the group that we have and figure out the best way for us to put ourselves in a position to win game one.”
Redick also reflected on roster availability and continuity, noting the importance of adaptability amid injuries to key contributors.
He said the coaching staff has had to adjust throughout the season, adding, “We’ve had to coach a bunch of different ways in both years.”
He continued, “The biggest thing for our players to see from myself but our staff is just how relentless we are about trying to get these guys prepared.”
On team culture, Redick highlighted internal standards and relationships, stating, “It’s about how we as coaches and we as players interact and interface with each other.”
He added, “The level of respect that our guys have for each other, that our coaches have for our guys, it’s there every day.”
Redick also pointed to Marcus Smart’s recent playmaking surge, saying, “That’s a big reason we wanted to bring Smart here. Not just for his defense.”
He continued, “He knows how to get other guys involved. And I think with the loss of AR and Luka it’s not just all on Luke and LeBron to be playmakers.”
On consistency within the roster, Redick praised Jake’s durability, stating, “First of all to play 82 games, particularly now, is a huge accomplishment.”
He added, “He’s brought a really high level of consistency particularly on the defensive end and with his effort throughout the season.”
Redick emphasized the team’s mindset heading into the postseason, saying, “Resiliency. The playoffs to me are all about resiliency and part of that is not letting go of the rope.”
He continued, “The team that is unwilling to let go of the rope for the longest amount of time, that’s ultimately the team that wins the series.”
He also referenced leadership and mindset balance, stating, “This team needs a great spirit and we need our remaining guys to be healthy.”
Redick added, “Making sure we get through the week healthy. And then the spirit, creating that belief.”
On LeBron James’ season management, Redick said, “All things considered, he had a remarkable season.”
He continued, “You take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old. He had a remarkable season.”
The Lakers finished the regular season with momentum, setting up a first-round playoff series against Houston after securing the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
