Redick: 'Everybody' wants to face hobbled Lakers
Why it matters: The Lakers’ final seed will decide their playoff opponent, potentially shaping their path to the conference finals.
- JJ Redick says every Western team will target the Lakers as a first‑round opponent despite their injuries.
- Lakers sit at 51‑29, holding tiebreakers over Denver and Houston, but seed (3‑5) remains undecided.
- Other Western clubs (Denver, Minnesota) are resting key players, hinting at strategic positioning for second‑round matchups.
Lakers coach JJ Redick warned that, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out, every Western contender will likely view Los Angeles as a preferred first‑round opponent. The team sits 51‑29, tied with Houston and just behind Denver, holding tiebreakers but still unsure whether they’ll be the No. 3, 4 or 5 seed as rivals rest players and eye second‑round matchups.
