Los Angeles, Apr. 11, 2026 — Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged on Friday that opponents are eager to face his team as the NBA postseason approaches, telling reporters, “Everybody wants to play us.”
Redick’s remark came amid a series of injuries that have disrupted the Lakers’ lineup and altered the Western Conference playoff picture. While he did not specify which players might be unavailable, the coach noted that the absences have made Los Angeles appear vulnerable to potential first-round challengers.
“Given what we’re dealing with, I get it,” Redick said. “Everybody wants to play us right now.”
The Lakers enter the final weekend of the regular season still jockeying for playoff position, their seeding uncertain as the training staff works to return injured players to the court. Redick declined to offer a timetable for any recoveries but stressed that the team’s focus remains on securing a berth and regaining full strength before the opening round.
Source: New York Post
