Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick will open the Western Conference first round against the Houston Rockets on Saturday without his two leading scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both guards are expected to miss at least the start of the series, forcing Redick to rely on an adjusted rotation as he begins his second postseason on the sideline.
Speaking after Friday’s practice, Redick outlined the team’s approach in the absence of the backcourt duo. “We’re going to try to make this season as long as possible so that we can get those guys back at some point,” he said. “We don’t know when that is, and that’s our job. Their job is to do everything they can to be in a position to come back. It may not work, but that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The staff spent nearly a full week preparing for Houston, and Redick said one word has driven every meeting: elevate. “The playoffs are different; they’re harder,” he noted. “There are no easy matchups, and you have to elevate your play, your recovery, your attention to detail, your preparation. When you’re missing two of your top guys, part of elevating is elevating each other and believing the group as a whole can be great.”
Leaning on James and Ayton
With Doncic and Reaves unavailable, LeBron James assumes an even larger role as the primary option. Redick also pointed to center Deandre Ayton as a pivotal piece if Los Angeles hopes to pull off an opening-round upset. “All responsibility lies on LeBron as a leader, but others have to chip in as well,” the coach said, singling out Ayton’s impact on both ends of the court.
The Lakers enter the series aware that losing their top two scorers puts them at a talent deficit, yet Redick believes the collective response will determine whether the team can extend its season long enough for Doncic and Reaves to return.
Source: LakersNation.com
