JJ Redick Hails LeBron James’ ‘Greatest Career’ After Blowing Out Rockets in Game 6 Decider

JJ Redick reacted to LeBron James' dominance in another playoff series win.

JJ Redick Hails LeBron James’ ‘Greatest Career’ After Blowing Out Rockets in Game 6 Decider

JJ Redick on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James led the Lakers to a decisive 98-78 victory over the Rockets in Game 6, securing the series.
  • JJ Redick praised James, calling him one of the greatest NBA players of all time after his performance.
  • James averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the series, showcasing his leadership and skill.

LeBron James made sure that no 3-0 comeback would happen under his watch on Friday night. The Houston Rockets threatened to take the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 7 after winning Games 4 and 5. With Game 6 in Houston, the Rockets had the momentum to take this series to seven games.

In the end, all hopes of a comeback came crashing down when the Lakers took an 18-point lead at halftime. They never let their foot off the pedal as they registered a convincing 98-78 victory at the Toyota Center.

After the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke to the media and praised James for his greatness.

To me, he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player. I don’t care to postulate on who’s the greatest of all time, but he’s one of, if not the greatest of all time. For him to do it again and answer the bell again. The leadership aspect that I talked about, he has this ability to set the tone for the entire group, and he did that again tonight.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

The win on Friday gave JJ Redick his first-ever playoff series win as a head coach. There were doubts when the former player took on one of the most esteemed roles in the NBA without prior experience. However, after joining the Lakers in 2024, Redick has more than just impressed in his role and has gone on to achieve various accomplishments.

With Luka Doncic ruled out for the entire series and Austin Reaves missing the first four games against the Rockets, it was up to LeBron James to rewind the clock and lead his team once again. It was a lot to expect from the 41-year-old, but James was more than just great in the first round.

James has defied Father Time like nobody else. He has adjusted and sacrificed his game this season to let Doncic lead the team, but he has also shown that he is ready to answer the call whenever Redick and the team need him.

Austin Reaves continues to be amazed by LeBron James

Austin Reaves joined the NBA after signing with the Lakers in 2021. Hence, he has shared the locker room and played his entire career with LeBron James. In the first round, James took up the role of being the primary scorer and playmaker of his team. It is unheard of for a player to perform at this level in his 23rd season.

LeBron James has ceded ground to Austin Reaves
LeBron James and Austin Reaves (Image via Yostin NBA/X)

Following the win, Reaves heaped praise on his teammate.

I just went over to him and was like you’re insane. The stuff that you’re doing is…not normal, the way he demands a game, the way he can control a game, it’s impressive. I’m just happy I don’t have to play against him.

Austin Reaves in his post-match press conference

Reaves returned in Game 5 and provided the Lakers with some much-needed offensive firepower and lowered the burden on James

LeBron James on leading the Lakers in the first round

There is no doubt that LeBron James was the best player on the court in the Lakers-Rockets series. In the six games, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. He controlled the pace and tempo of the game and was active on the defensive end as well. In the close-out game, James scored a game-high 28 points to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes.

Speaking to the media, James broke down how it felt to lead the Lakers in the absence of Doncic.

I’ve done it throughout my career. But they still have to accept it. I’m happy I was able to do some things out there to make them understand that I guess I know what I’m doing at times and those guys, they were great this series.

LeBron James in his post-match media scrum

The Lakers have a huge series coming up against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the Western Conference Semifinals. There is no news of Doncic returning anytime soon; hence, James will need to be at his very best against the Thunder. The Thunder swept the Lakers 4-0 in the regular season.

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