Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on Apr. 8 that he is focused on identifying the nine players who are fully committed to fighting for the team as they approach the playoffs without leading scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both players are out for the foreseeable future, forcing Redick to reconsider lineups and rotations in order to maximize performance in their absence.
The situation is significant because it comes at a critical point in the season, with only a few games left before postseason play begins. The loss of key contributors has shifted Redick’s priorities from playoff seeding to finding those most ready to compete.
Redick addressed his approach following a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, explaining why he made quick substitutions during the game. “I called the early timeout because Rui didn’t do his job, so took him out of the game,” Redick said after the loss. “We’ve got to find nine guys that are all in on us fighting and willing to go out on whatever metaphor you want to use — I don’t want to use a war metaphor in this time — but whatever you got to do to go out and fight and be all in on the team, we’ll find the nine guys. It’s a great opportunity for us, over the next three games to find those guys.”
Some roster spots appear secure, with LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura expected as part of Redick’s rotation. Jaxson Hayes may also feature depending on matchups. However, other positions remain open as Redick evaluates which players can step up under pressure.
“You obviously have to tackle the situation in front of you,” Redick said prior to Tuesday’s game. “We have a unique situation in front of us and we gotta prepare our team, our group that we have available, to play in a playoff series… Like I said, it’s finding who’s gonna be able to play in the playoffs for us. That all goes into it. The seeding part probably went out the window after the OKC game.”
Players such as Bronny James have seen increased minutes recently while Adou Thiero, Kobe Bufkin and Dalton Knecht offer different options at guard; veterans Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt provide depth up front. Two-way contract players Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme and Chris Mañon are not eligible for postseason unless converted into standard contracts.
Looking ahead, there remains hope that Doncic could return during playoffs as he recovers from injury overseas—a possibility that Redick acknowledged by saying Doncic is motivated about rejoining his teammates.