JJ Redick Applauds Lakers for Earning First-Round Home-Court Advantage
jj-redick-applauds-lakers-for-earning-first-round-home-court-advantage
The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up home-court advantage for the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, head coach JJ Redick confirmed after Friday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns combined with the Houston Rockets’ loss.
Regardless of Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles will finish no lower than fourth in the Western Conference for the second consecutive year. Two scenarios remain:
- If the Lakers lose to Utah or the Denver Nuggets win their game, L.A. will be the No. 4 seed and host the Rockets.
- If the Lakers defeat Utah and Denver falls, the Lakers will rise to No. 3 and open the postseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves, replicating last season’s matchup.
“Your goal is to win a championship every year,” Redick said. “But let’s not discredit what this group has done. To clinch home-court and win 52, maybe 53 games while dealing with the adversity we had is a credit to our players and staff.”
The Lakers navigated significant injuries, most recently a Grade 2 left hamstring strain to Luka Doncic and a Grade 2 left oblique strain to Austin Reaves, both of whom are expected to miss at least the first playoff round. Redick highlighted the team’s resilience amid those setbacks and the heightened scrutiny that accompanies the franchise.
“For most teams, your ability to bounce back from failure defines your season,” he added. “I know few people projected us in the top four. Our group managed expectations and the negativity that follows every loss.”
With LeBron James leading a shorthanded roster, the Lakers will attempt to advance deep enough for the possibility of Doncic or Reaves returning. Meanwhile, rival teams are reportedly monitoring matchups in hopes of drawing an undermanned Los Angeles side early in the bracket.
The Lakers conclude the regular season Sunday in Los Angeles, after which their exact seed and opponent will be set.
Source: Lakers Nation
