JJ Redick may not know exactly where the Los Angeles Lakers will land in the Western Conference standings, but he seems pretty sure about one thing: other teams would love to see them in the first round right now.
With both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves dealing with injuries heading into the playoffs, Redick admitted that Los Angeles is not exactly viewed as the team nobody wants to face. Instead, his comments have added fuel to the growing idea that the Lakers could be one of the more vulnerable playoff teams in the West, even with a potential top-four seed still on the table.
What Does the Playoff Picture Look Like at the Moment for the Lakers?
JJ Redick is not under any illusions about how the rest of the Western Conference views the Los Angeles Lakers right now. With Luka Doncic out because of a hamstring injury and Austin Reaves sidelined with an oblique issue, the Lakers are missing two of their biggest offensive weapons heading into the playoffs.
That is why Redick openly admitted that plenty of teams are probably hoping to draw Los Angeles in the first round.
“I’m sure everybody wants to play us,” Redick said. “Let’s get that out there.”
It is not hard to understand why. Doncic and Reaves account for around 60 points per game combined, and without them, the Lakers suddenly look a lot thinner offensively. But Los Angeles has still managed to stay in the mix because LeBron James has turned back the clock over the last week.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
James was once again the driving force in the Lakers’ blowout win over the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Over his last three games, he has averaged 28 points, nearly 13 assists and close to eight rebounds while shooting at an elite level.
“I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past,” James said. “I’m just trying to make things happen for us to continue to stay afloat.”
The Lakers are now locked into at least the No. 4 seed in the West, but they still have a chance to move up to No. 3. They need to beat the Utah Jazz in the regular-season finale and hope the Denver Nuggets lose their last game.
Redick also appeared to send a message to some of the other contenders in the West, suggesting that certain teams are already thinking ahead about second-round matchups and resting players accordingly.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
