JJ Redick Says Lakers’ Preparation Was His ‘Biggest Regret’ in Playoff Loss to Timberwolves
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LOS ANGELES — On the opening day of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 season, head coach JJ Redick looked back on his first postseason in charge and conceded that poor preparation doomed his team against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speaking at the club’s annual Media Day, Redick said the Lakers “weren’t physically ready to play” when the first-round series began last April. Los Angeles, the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed, fell in five games despite holding home-court advantage.
“My biggest regret from the Minnesota series was our preparation leading into the series,” Redick told reporters on Spectrum SportsNet. “There was a lot of discussion with our coaching staff … but I’ve got to do a better job going into a series of making sure they’re physically ready to play.”
Redick cited a grueling March schedule and lingering injuries as factors but accepted responsibility for the team’s sluggish start, including a Game 1 defeat in which the Timberwolves seized control early.
Strategic Misstep in Game 5
The 41-year-old coach also pointed to a tactical decision that backfired in the decisive Game 5 at Target Center. Hoping to slow down Anthony Edwards, Redick opened with a smaller lineup and instructed his defense to blitz the All-Star guard.
“I fundamentally don’t believe in putting two on the basketball … Game 5 we started small and we blitzed Anthony Edwards, and they killed us in the first half on the offensive glass,” Redick said. “I didn’t put my team in a great spot because I made that decision to start Game 5.”
Doncic’s Off-Season Transformation
Media Day also marked the first full training camp in Los Angeles for Luka Doncic, who was acquired at mid-season last year and led the Lakers to 50 wins despite calf issues. Redick said the 26-year-old guard arrived in noticeably better condition and is “committed” to maintaining his new physique over the 82-game schedule.
This season could also be the final one for 40-year-old LeBron James, though the four-time MVP has not indicated whether he plans to retire next summer. Redick begins his second season on the sideline aiming to steer the retooled roster deeper into the playoffs.
Source: Lakers Nation
