Redick: 'Everybody' wants to face hobbled Lakers
Why it matters: Lakers could secure a 4‑seed, giving them a theoretically easier first‑round matchup and shaping West playoff brackets.
- JJ Redick claims all West teams want to draw the Lakers despite Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being sidelined.
- Los Angeles Lakers sit at 51‑29, holding tiebreakers over Denver and Houston for the critical 3‑5 seed range.
- Injuries: Doncic suffers a grade‑2 left hamstring strain; Reaves has a grade‑2 left oblique injury, leaving the roster hobbled.
- Opposing teams: Denver rested stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, while Oklahoma City clinched No. 1 and also sat many starters.
- Remaining schedule: Lakers finish at home vs Utah Jazz (21‑59), while Minnesota (locked at No. 6) plays Houston.
Lakers coach JJ Redick says every Western team will gladly face his injury‑hit squad as the club, 51‑29, battles for a 3‑5 seed while rivals rest key players and the playoff picture tightens.
