The Los Angeles Lakers remain in the thick of the Western Conference NBA playoff race, needing both wins and favorable results from other teams to secure an ideal postseason position. With the possibility of a first-round clash against the Golden State Warriors looming, every game down the stretch carries heightened significance—even a matchup against a short-handed Houston Rockets team. JJ Redick shared his opinion.
Before tip-off against Houston, Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a candid perspective on the team’s current mindset and championship aspirations. Also remarked they’re focused for the Rockets matchup.
“It’s every team’s goal to win a championship. It’s something we’ve talked about as a group, but we make no assumptions,” Redick said. “The biggest thing we’ve done is focus on what’s right in front of us. Right now, that’s Houston and trying to lock in that third seed.”
He added: “Then it’s about focusing on our first-round opponent. That’s how we need to think. But I’ve said all season that I have a very high belief in this group.”
JJ Redick and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers speak during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 27, 2025.
Redick reflects on finals run with Orlando Magic
Redick also took a moment to reflect on his own playoff journey as a player, specifically his time with the Orlando Magic. He recalled how a mid-season trade for Rafer Alston—after All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson went down—sparked the team’s 2009 run to the NBA Finals.
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“We traded for Rafer and had to figure it out on the fly,” Redick said. “We were just a little over .500 after the trade, but that group came together in the playoffs.” He drew a parallel to current teams like the Mavericks, suggesting that even mid-season changes—like Dallas acquiring Luka Doncic—can lead to something special.
“There are only a handful of times in NBA history where an in-season trade helped push a team to a title,” Redick added. “But it’s possible, and I’ve lived through that kind of turnaround before.”
