The NBA regular season is entering its final stretch. While some teams have already secured strong positions in the standings and are preparing for the playoffs, others must maintain their level of play to secure a postseason spot. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and head coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers‘ recent performances have been a strong indicator of their postseason ambitions. Their six-game winning streak has been crucial, improving their record to 38-21 and positioning them as one of the Western Conference’s top playoff contenders.
Luka Doncic’s presence on the roster has been a game-changer, while LeBron continues to be the team’s anchor. Approaching the historic milestone of 50,000 career points, James extends his lead as the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and remains a key figure in the Lakers’ push for the postseason.
Meanwhile, head coach JJ Redick recently weighed in on what he considers the greatest record in NBA history. Despite LeBron’s scoring feats, Redick pointed to an all-time performance by a Golden State Warriors legend.
“That’s a great question. I would say Wilt’s [100 points in a single game]. In terms of individual performances, I don’t think anyone will ever reach that,” Redick told the media after the Lakers’ win over the Clippers.
Redick addresses playoff positioning
With the Lakers sitting second in the Western Conference standings, expectations are high for the team to sustain its strong performance and secure a playoff berth. However, Redick made it clear that nothing is guaranteed yet, delivering a firm message about their postseason outlook.
“I want to make the playoffs—I don’t want to be in the Play-In. Until that’s secured, seeding won’t even cross my mind,” Redick told reporters when asked about the team’s push for the postseason.
Redick on Doncic’s impact
Luka Doncic has been in stellar form recently, playing a key role in his team’s success. Redick didn’t hold back when discussing Doncic’s impact and the challenges of defending him.
“The nature of playing with Luka Doncic is simple—if you play drop coverage against him, you’re going to get burned,” Redick said, emphasizing Doncic’s dominance on the court.