The Los Angeles Lakers closed the regular season with a win over the Utah Jazz, but their playoff fate had already been sealed before tip-off. The Denver Nuggets’ victory locked them into the fourth seed, setting up a first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets in what projects to be anything but an easy series.
On paper, it’s a matchup built on balance and intensity. And that’s exactly where JJ Redick focused his attention, making one thing clear from the start: there are no shortcuts in the playoffs.
Lakers’ Mindset: Built for the Playoffs
Over the final stretch of the season, Redick and his staff emphasized one guiding principle: be ready for the playoffs no matter the opponent.
Over the last six weeks we’ve built playoff habits and a playoff mindset. We knew that no matter where we landed, there wouldn’t be an easy matchup
JJ Redick
According to Redick, whether it had been the Nuggets, Timberwolvesor Rocketsthe level of difficulty would have been the same.
Now, however, the approach shifts:
Before, the opponent didn’t matter. Now it does. We’ll do everything possible to be ready – mentally and physically
JJ Redick
A notable shift: general preparation now gives way to detailed scouting and specific game-planning for Houston.
Season Series Offers Mixed Signals
The Lakers won the regular-season series 2-1 against Houston, a potentially encouraging sign – but one that should be viewed carefully.
- Heavy loss on Christmas Day
- Two convincing wins in recent weeks
So while the trend is positive, it does not suggest clear superiority. A skeptic would argue that the playoffs reset everythingespecially against a young, ascending team like Houston.
The Biggest Question Marks: Doncic and Reaves
The true variable in the series remains the health of Luka Doncic and Austin Reavesboth of whom are at risk of missing the entire first round.
For Redick, that makes one word central to the Lakers’ outlook: resilience.
Anything can happen in the playoffs: good moments and bad ones. You can fall behind in the series, in a game, on the road. The team that hangs in longer is the one that wins
JJ Redick
A simple concept, but one often overlooked. It’s not only about tactics or talent – it’s about mental consistency.
Still, resilience alone won’t be enough. Without offensive execution and defensive discipline, mindset can remain just a slogan. The real challenge will be turning that mentality into production on the floor.
The Lakers will open the series at home for Games 1 and 2 before heading to Houston. An important advantage but that doesn’t mean all.
In the NBA Playoffs, home court only goes so far.
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