Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on May 11 that he believes the team has gotten everything possible out of its roster this season, even as they face elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs. The Lakers are down 3-0 in the series and have lost each game by double digits.
Redick’s comments come as the team prepares for Game 4 at home, hoping to avoid a sweep by the defending champions. He told reporters after practice, “I think, again, coaching is about two things: it’s about maximizing the group and then it’s do people enjoy coming to work, and when you set out on any season, that’s your goal.” Redick continued, “I don’t know about the second one because frankly, every guy is going to go through a little bit of adversity during the season whether it’s playing time or feeling like they’re not getting plays called, whatever it may be. I think that second question probably changes by the day.”
Redick said he believes this year’s group has reached its ceiling. “The first question, can you maximize the group? I think we’ve done that this year. I’m not saying that as a credit to the staff, it’s a credit to everybody in the building. And we’ve put ourselves in position in three of these games that we were in the mix in the second half and there’s a reason they’re the world champions. There’s a reason they’re the deepest team in basketball and that’s why they win,” he said.
The Lakers faced significant challenges throughout their campaign due to injuries impacting key players such as Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Despite these setbacks—including playing without Doncic for all of postseason—the team won 53 games and secured both a Pacific Division title and advancement past their first-round opponent.
Redick emphasized his continued belief in his squad: “So I wish we weren’t in this hole. We’re going to try to be better and we’re gonna go try to win a game tomorrow and extend the series.” He also made clear he is not giving up on his players despite long odds against overcoming Oklahoma City.
Looking ahead, Redick maintains optimism for extending their playoff run but acknowledges both his team’s efforts and limitations against an opponent favored for another championship.
