Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said controlling turnovers and securing rebounds will determine the outcome of the team’s opening-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, Redick was direct: “Take care of the basketball and box out. That’s the series.” The coach noted that Houston ranks fourth in second-chance opportunities while Los Angeles sits 23rd, a disparity he believes the Lakers cannot afford with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still sidelined.
“If we don’t take care of the ball and don’t box out, we’re not going to win,” Redick said. “We started practice with rebounding drills today. You have to put it in their minds.”
The Rockets, considered one of the strongest offensive-rebounding clubs in league history, present a physical challenge inside. Redick plans to reinforce rebounding principles in every drill until Game 1, adding that personnel scouting will come later in the week.
Ball-handling responsibilities will largely fall to LeBron James, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart against Houston’s athletic wing defenders. Redick acknowledged the pressure but reiterated that fundamentals, not schemes, remain the priority.
Earlier this week, the first-year head coach praised the Rockets as “a really good basketball team” and promised the Lakers would be “ready to play” after four to five days of preparation.
The best-of-seven series opens Saturday.
Source: LakersNation.com
