JJ Redick on Lakers’ Standing in the Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has stated that opposing teams in the Western Conference likely view his team as a preferred first-round opponent for the 2026 NBA playoffs due to significant injuries to key players.

The comments followed the Lakers’ 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2026. Redick addressed the perception of the team as they enter the final weekend of the regular season, noting that the Lakers are currently competing for the third or fourth seed in the conference.

Impact of Key Injuries

The Lakers are currently navigating the end of the season without two primary contributors. Luka Doncic is sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and Austin Reaves is unavailable due to a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.

Redick believes these absences have made the team less intimidating to other Western Conference squads whose seeding has not yet been finalized.

I’m sure everybody wants to play us, let’s get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us.

JJ Redick

Lakers guard Luke Kennard acknowledged the logic behind this perception, noting that the team is missing approximately 60 points per game with Doncic and Reaves out of the lineup.

Performance and Standings

Despite the injuries and external perceptions, the Lakers have maintained a strong position in the standings. As of April 11, 2026, the team holds a 52-29 record and sits in fourth place heading into the final game of the regular season.

Redick has pushed back against the narrative surrounding the franchise, highlighting the gap between the team’s actual performance and the expectations set before the season. He noted that many projections at the start of the year placed the Lakers as a play-in team or lower, rather than in the top four of the conference.

The coach has also addressed the internal challenges of managing the constant scrutiny and negativity that follows the franchise, regardless of their success on the court.

Player Contributions

LeBron James has taken on an increased leadership role and production load since the star backcourt was injured. In the three games preceding the April 10 win over Phoenix, James averaged 28 points on 60% shooting, 12.7 assists, and 7.7 rebounds.

During the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 10, James recorded 28 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. Luke Kennard also contributed 19 points in that victory, continuing a trend of strong play since the injuries to Doncic and Reaves.

Kennard emphasized that while the team is missing significant scoring, the leadership and current form of LeBron James remain critical to the team’s prospects as they move toward the postseason.