The Los Angeles Lakers are outpacing preseason expectations with a 15-4 start to the 2025-26 campaign, yet head coach JJ Redick insists the early success is no reason to relax.
Speaking after Sunday night’s lopsided win over the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena, Redick acknowledged the strong record but pointed to several statistical warning signs. Los Angeles owns the NBA’s No. 5 offense but sits just 17th on defense. A net rating of 4.1 ranks 12th league-wide, and the club is 23rd in turnover percentage while placing 21st in assist-to-turnover ratio.
“A Lot of Slices of Pizza Left”
“It’s nice to be 15-4 and proud of that,” Redick said. “But there’s a lot of slices of pizza left in the box. There’s plenty of room for improvement.”
The coach referenced a previous 7-2 stretch this season, explaining that maintaining focus becomes harder when opponents are shorthanded. “Sometimes you get a lead like that and, I hate saying this, but teams can get a little bored,” he added, lamenting what he felt was subpar defense during the final three quarters against New Orleans.
Tougher Schedule Ahead
Los Angeles now faces a five-game gauntlet against winning teams: the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. The Suns visit Monday on the second night of a back-to-back.
“That’s going to be a huge challenge,” Redick said of Phoenix, noting the Suns are “playing hard [and] have an identity.” He also highlighted an upcoming three-games-in-four-nights swing to the far eastern edge of the Eastern Conference as an unusually demanding trip for a California-based club.
Maintaining Accountability While Winning
Redick said the coaching staff reviews film to spotlight mistakes even after victories, aiming to prevent complacency. “I live with a level of paranoia as a coach that’s really different than when I played,” he admitted. Still, he praised the roster’s chemistry: “The guys have bought in, they get along, they root for each other, and it’s not fake.”
Historic Backcourt Stretch
Luka Dončić scored 34 points and Austin Reaves added 33 against New Orleans, marking the third straight game both guards have reached 30. According to the Lakers, they are only the fourth backcourt duo in the past 50 years to accomplish that feat.
Los Angeles enters Monday’s matchup with Phoenix riding a 65-win pace but fully aware, as Redick emphasized, that the season’s toughest tests are still to come.
Source: Lakers Nation
