“I mean, I found out that coaches also get a bonus. So yes, I’m ready. Jolt me away.” JJ Redick is all geared up to make a run for the Emirates NBA Cup. His journey begins tomorrow as the Lakers play their first group-stage game. Their opponents? The San Antonio Spurs. But while JJ’s motivated to bag the massive cash prize, his dream could take a hit because of his side’s looming injury concerns.

Yes, the Lakers have had a decent start to their season by winning seven of their first eleven games. Not a bad record, eh? But the injury bug could halt their momentum going forward, as latest reports reveal that Anthony Davis has been listed as probable due to left plantar fasciitis. Well, AD has clearly been their best player so far, averaging 30.2 points and nearly eleven rebounds. And the team could struggle if he does not play tomorrow, especially going up against Victor Wembanyama, who is coming off a big 50-point game.

Adding to the concerns, Rui Hachimura is also questionable because of a right ankle sprain. That’s another massive blow because the reliable hoopster has had a decent season so far, averaging 12.7 points. Moreover, he is shooting a career-high 50% from the three-point line. And the Lakers will miss his two-way presence if he gets ruled out of the NBA Cup encounter.

Apart from the two stars, Jaxson Hayes will also remain out, as he is still recovering from a left ankle sprain. Obviously, Jalen Hood-Schifino (left groin soreness), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery), and Christian Wood (left knee surgery) continue to be ruled out. Clearly, those are a lot of injuries JJ has to deal with, some of them are from way before he joined the LA side.

JJ Redick reveals expectations from his squad as the Lakers target NBA Cup repeat

Well, the Lakers already etched their name as the inaugural NBA Cup champions last year. And each player bagged the $500,000 prize money that comes with it. But the big question now is: Can they hold on to it for another year? As per USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt, the winning amount for the team on top has been increased to $514,970 each! As it turns out, the head coaches also take home as much as the players do, while the assistant coaches get 75% of it. That also explains why JJ Redick is so hyped about the tournament.

And he expects nothing but the best from his squad, “I expect our guys to be highly competitive. Said this a number of times last year, you don’t need to give a reason to competitive people to compete.” He emphasized that these games cannot be taken for granted, “And the games count for the regular season. We all recognize how difficult the Western Conference is. And every game is gonna matter.”

So, although the LA Lakers might have to play without AD and Rui- JJ Redick is prepared for the challenge and he expects the same intensity and promise from the available players.