The Los Angeles Lakers own a 2–0 advantage over the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series, yet veteran forward LeBron James and first-year head coach JJ Redick are warning the roster against any sense of comfort, center Deandre Ayton said after Thursday’s practice.
“LeBron is making it very known not to get comfortable, and JJ as well,” Ayton told reporters. “Don’t get too complacent. This is the playoffs. Anything happens and we want to handle business just like we did here.”
Los Angeles protected home court despite being without injured starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Depth contributions across the lineup, combined with a defense that has limited Houston’s offense and matched the Rockets’ physical style, have pushed the Lakers two wins from advancing.
James and Redick have stressed that a 2-0 margin is far from decisive; four victories are required to close a series. Their message arrives as the matchup shifts to Houston for Games 3 and 4, where the Rockets are expected to adjust in front of their home crowd.
Ayton—tasked with hard rolls to the rim and interior protection—has been central to Los Angeles’ game plan. The 7-footer said he is “having fun” anchoring the defense and intends to carry the same energy onto the road.
Game 3 is scheduled for the weekend in Houston. A win would hand the Lakers a commanding 3-0 edge; a loss would tighten the series and test the resolve James and Redick have tried to instill.
Source: LakersNation.com
