JJ Redick pulls out analytics to confirm running joke in Lakers community is actually real

Lakers HC JJ Redick made his intentions clear regarding a specific Lakers fans theory trending amongst the NBA community.

JJ Redick pulls out analytics to confirm running joke in Lakers community is actually real

JJ Redick

LeBron James and Luka Doncic, two of the biggest names in the sport, are players with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, opponents now circle the Lakers on the calendar, according to head coach JJ Redick. Lakers supporters have strongly supported a conspiracy theory on social media during the 2024–25 season.

Per the fans, the injured players who are getting close to returning make sure their first game back is against the Lakers. Interestingly, Redick did make a point on this in his latest interview with the reporters. Redick claimed that he told his analytics team to confirm the trending theory amongst the Lakers community.

I think it’s like 86% of [opposing] payroll has been available to [play] us this year, which is by far No. 1 in the league.

JJ Redick said
YouTube video

For example, before the Lakers’ game versus the Memphis Grizzlies, who were missing star point guard Ja Morant for the past two weeks due to a persistent hamstring ailment, this topic reappeared on social media on Saturday. Despite being labeled as a game-time decision, Morant showed up for the encounter on Saturday as scheduled.

Following a game against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in March, Luka Doncic made a statement regarding the situation. Doncic explained that he firmly thinks opponents are anticipating games against the Lakers. This was when Norman Powell returned from a protracted injury to face them. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis returning for the Boston Celtics to face the Lakers this year is another example.

JJ Redick made his opinions clear on Austin Reaves after recent win

Under the direction of first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers are still pushing for a late-season finish. They recently defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 134-127. During the post-game news conference, Redick notably discussed several subjects related to the game and his players. However, the one that caught attention was his assessment of Lakers star Austin Reaves.

We challenged him a little bit to play with more force and pace off the ball.

JJ Redick said

Reaves finished with 31 points, seven assists, and eight rebounds in the victory over the Grizzlies. LeBron James and Luka Doncic both generated excellent figures, but the Lakers’ third choice was the team’s top scorer. Doncic finished the game with 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, while James finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.

With a 45-29 record, they are now ranked fourth in the Western Conference. With a game against the Houston Rockets on Monday, the Lakers will now try to start a winning run. All attention will drift towards the Lakers’ final push before the end of the 2024-25 NBA regular season.

JJ Redick pleased with the Lakers’ offensive trio after recent win over Grizzlies

The Lakers trio stood up to business against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves combined to score a whopping 85 points and 25 assists amongst the 3 of them on Saturday. It led Lakers HC JJ Redick to praise the trio for their performance in the post-match presser.

I think there’s always stuff to improve on how we play but I guess that’s the best we can play offensively as well we played so far.

JJ Redick said

Los Angeles is currently two games below the Denver Nuggets and two games clear of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in a close Western Conference competition. Following their game versus the Rockets on Monday, the Lakers will take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday before facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road twice in a row.