Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on Apr. 2 that the team’s strong performance in March was due to contributions from every player in the rotation. The Lakers posted a 15-2 record for the month, including a nine-game winning streak, and gained ground among teams competing for the third seed in the Western Conference.
Redick said that consistent health played a key role in allowing players to settle into their roles and rotations, something he noted had been missing earlier in the season. “I think it’s much easier when you have a consistent stretch of health to not even buy in but settle into roles and minutes and rotations. We never found that throughout the season,” Redick said.
He also highlighted individual performances while emphasizing collective effort: “I think, Luka (Dončić) has had as good of a month as anybody that I can remember in modern NBA, at least since I’ve been part of it… but he just played phenomenal this month and then everyone else just had huge impacts.” Redick went on to name several players who made important contributions, including Austin Reaves getting healthy; LeBron James performing on both ends of the floor; Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes helping at center; Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura with their shooting; Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart with their defense; as well as Bronny James Jr., Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, and others stepping up when needed.
“Our team right now is the reason that we’re winning,” Redick added. “Our team. Because each guy has contributed to winning.”
Redick also credited his coaching staff alongside his players after reaching 100 career coaching wins. As playoff rotations tighten, he said knowing any player can step up when called upon will be important for continued success.