JJ Redick Sends Clear Playoff Message After Lakers’ Sixth Straight Win”
The Los Angeles Lakers are on an impressive winning streak, having secured their sixth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 108-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. But despite the success, Lakers head coach JJ Redick is making it clear that his team’s playoff push is far from over. In a post-game address, Redick sent a powerful message to his squad, emphasizing the need for continued improvement as they gear up for the postseason.
The Lakers’ roster has been bolstered by a game-changing trade, with the acquisition of superstar Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks just ahead of the trade deadline. The move was met with shockwaves across the league, and it’s already paying dividends as Los Angeles has soared to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. However, Redick isn’t resting on the team’s recent success. Instead, he’s focused on refining the Lakers’ offensive game and improving their execution heading into the critical final stretch of the season.
Discussing the impact Dončić has had since his arrival, Redick underscored the challenges that opposing teams face when trying to guard the rising star. “When you play against Luka Dončić, if you use drop coverage, you’re playing with fire. Teams are going to try to rattle him, or they’ll throw blitzes at him,” Redick noted. “But we know how to adjust. We’re going to figure this out, and the ability to run all-shooting lineups is a huge benefit.”
Despite Dončić’s relatively slow start with the Lakers—he’s shooting just 39.2% in his first eight games with the team—his presence has already made a significant difference. And that could spell trouble for the rest of the NBA, as the Lakers are still finding their rhythm with their newest star. “It’s a good problem to have,” Redick added. “We’re not going to be satisfied until we officially clinch a playoff spot, and we’re going to keep pushing.”
At 38-21, the Lakers sit comfortably in the No. 2 position in the Western Conference, but they’re still trailing the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder by 10.5 games. With the postseason looming large, Redick’s message to his team is clear: there’s no time to coast. Every game is an opportunity to improve, and the Lakers have their sights set on more than just a playoff berth.
Looking ahead, Los Angeles will face the New Orleans Pelicans next, on Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m. EST. With the postseason in mind, the Lakers will be looking to extend their streak and sharpen their playoff-ready game. For Redick and the Lakers, the journey is just beginning.
