Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is setting clear expectations as his team prepares for a second-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After eliminating the Houston Rockets in six games, the Lakers now face the defending champions, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round and enter the series as heavy favorites.
The challenge is significant for Los Angeles, particularly with Luka Doncic expected to miss the start of the series due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have been one of the most dominant teams in the league this season, combining elite offense with a disruptive, disciplined defense. Redick acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, emphasizing both respect and preparation as the Lakers shift focus to Game 1.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are coming off a strong closeout performance against Houston, led by LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves. Despite injuries and roster adjustments, Los Angeles advanced to the second round for the first time since 2023 and now turns its attention to a deeper, more complete opponent.
JJ Redick Compares Oklahoma City Thunder to Historic NBA Teams
GettyLos Angeles Lakers Head coach JJ Redick
Redick did not downplay the level of competition awaiting his team. Instead, he placed the Thunder in rare historical context while addressing reporters ahead of the series.
“We saw a stat in our morning meeting this morning, like teams that have had back-to-back or even more than that, 10 or more better net ratings in consecutive seasons. You’re talking about the ’95-’96 Bulls, the ’96-’97 Bulls and the ’15-’17 Warriors,” Redick said. “You’re literally talking about two of the greatest teams of all time.”
He then made his stance even clearer.
“I said to a bunch of people yesterday off-site that were talking about this series to me. I said, yeah, the Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history. That’s just the reality. They’re that good. I think our guys recognize that and respect that, and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.”
Redick also pointed to the Thunder’s defensive identity as a defining factor. He noted that the pressure the Lakers faced against Houston will only increase.
“The reality of their defense is that whatever moments we felt Houston pressuring, like the maximum amount of pressure they put on us, that’s OKC’s baseline. That’s their core,” Redick said. “You’re talking about a team that’s top five in every category that’s disruptive-based: steals, blocks, turnovers forced, all that stuff. And they don’t foul.”
Lakers Prepare for Physical Challenge Without Luka Doncic
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic
While Redick emphasized Oklahoma City’s strengths, the Lakers are also focused on how to respond. According to Shams Charania, the team is expected to be without Doncic at the start of the series, leaving additional responsibility on LeBron James and the supporting cast.
“I’m told right now, Luka Doncic will be out to start this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Shams Charania reported on ESPN’s pregame show.
Austin Reaves highlighted the mindset heading into the matchup, noting both respect and confidence in the locker room.
“They won it all last year, and you know they’ve been the best team in basketball all this year. So it’s obviously going to be a big challenge,” Reaves said(via The Athletic). “You know you can’t go in scared. You have an opportunity to go play basketball. So we’ll have fun.”
Forward Jake LaRavia echoed that approach, stressing the importance of physicality, especially against Gilgeous-Alexander.
“When you’re coming into any game, regular season or playoff, you can respect the team, but you can’t fear them,” LaRavia said. “You can’t come into the game fearing the opponent and then you’re just gonna come in and get punked.”
The Lakers understand the margin for error will be smaller in this round. Oklahoma City’s depth, discipline, and defensive pressure pose a greater challenge than Houston’s.
For Redick, the message to his team is simple: the playoffs demand constant improvement.
“I think each group has to do that,” Redick said. “It’s a hard box series against Houston. I think every level you go up in the playoffs, it gets harder. That’s just the reality. We’ve talked in the last three weeks about elevating. We have to elevate even more.”
Game 1 is set to begin with the Thunder holding home-court advantage, as the Lakers look to extend their postseason run against one of the league’s most complete teams.
JJ Redick Compares Thunder to One of the Greatest Teams in NBA History Ahead of Lakers Series