Lakers Coach Praises Team Effort After Latest Game

The Los Angeles Lakers have advanced to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs after defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the first-round series on May 1, 2026. The Lakers secured a 98-78 victory at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, to clinch the series.

The win marks the first playoff series victory of head coach JJ Redick’s coaching career. Following the game, Redick emphasized the collective effort of the roster and the resilience of the team’s leadership after a period of instability leading up to the closeout game.

Collective Effort and Defensive Execution

Redick attributed the victory to the team’s ability to execute specific roles and maintain a strong defensive presence. He specifically highlighted the defensive contributions of Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton, noting that a small tweak made to the defensive strategy regarding Houston’s Alperen Sengun proved effective in protecting the rim.

The Lakers’ strategy focused on limiting turnovers and controlling the defensive glass. According to team data, the Lakers turned the ball over only 11 times during Game 6 and restricted the Rockets to eight offensive rebounds.

“I thought the collective tonight was awesome, especially defensively.” JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

Overcoming Adversity and Injuries

The path to the second round was marked by significant challenges. The Lakers had previously held a 3-0 lead in the series before suffering back-to-back losses, which put the team in a position where they needed to win Game 6 to avoid facing elimination.

The team also dealt with key injuries throughout the postseason. Austin Reaves returned to the lineup for his second game after recovering from a left oblique strain. LeBron James played a pivotal role in the closeout win, recording 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.

Redick noted that the team’s outlook had felt bleak a few weeks prior, following losses to Dallas and Oklahoma City. He credited the leadership of James, Marcus Smart, and Reaves for maintaining the team’s focus and character during that period.

“Just really proud of the group. I’m a big believer in life that Make sure to celebrate every victory, you should celebrate small wins. For us to be written off a few weeks ago and win a playoff series is a big deal.” JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

Looking Ahead

With the elimination of the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers move on to the Western Conference semifinals. They are scheduled to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.

Reflecting on the achievement, Redick expressed gratitude for his staff and the organization, describing the series win as a collective effort involving many individuals working toward a single goal.