A rookie head coach faced the biggest curve ball! A midseason trade, which meant JJ Redick had to find a new solution as Dallas got Anthony Davis. Remember AD? It was the same guy who the coach wanted to build the offense around. In return, he received Luka Doncic, which meant a new strategy, and it delivered. The Lakers clinched the Pacific Division title, a third spot in conference, and the final regular-season home win. But that win also ensured that the head coach kept his promise.

During the post-game conference, JJ Redick spoke about the team’s new adjustment with having Doncic. “Yeah, I thought throughout the game and throughout this last two months, however long it’s been since we’ve had Luka, when we’ve done a good job of recognizing mismatches and gotten into proper spacing, we’ve created really good offense. These guys know it and they’re so good.” He praised his team for taking advantage of mismatches whenever possible.

The 40-year-old rookie coach also gave flowers to LeBron for being “great with this.” Plus, he credited the partnership of Doncic, LeBron, and Austin Reaves for actually performing on the court with high standards.”We can generate good offense, and I think all three of those guys have been so good with that.
I warned them at halftime to continue to play the right way and that there would be fines if there were any possessions that looked like the Dallas possession the other night. So they came close, but I think they’re all going to keep their money.

In a 140- 109 win over the Rockets, Luka had 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Reaves contributed with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. LeBron, before the injury, had 14 points and 8 assists. But it was Rui Hachimura who gave us an update about the head coach’s previous promise.

“Rui Hachimura said JJ Redick told the team that when he was hired by the Lakers, his goal for Year 1 was to win 50 games and secure the No. 3 seed. “And he did it,” Hachimura said.” However, the sweet victory for the Purple and Gold team was not straightforward.

JJ Redick confirms LeBron James injury updates after the Rockets win

The Houston side was without six of their top seven scorers for the fixture against LA. Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Jae’Sean Tate all sat out. So, a win here was important to get the third seed for the Lakers, and it also helped them win 50 games for just the second time in 14 years.

During the third quarter, with the Lakers leading by a wide margin, star forward LeBron James appeared to reinjure his groin. The fans were naturally concerned, after it was the same groin injury that made King James miss 7 straight games. The 4x NBA champion was on the sidelines cheering and did not participate further. However, for the Lakers nation, there was good news courtesy of the head coach.

JJ Redick said LeBron James is “fine” despite leaving the game after apparently injuring his groin. With them guranteeting the 3rd seed and a week left for the playoff, the team would hope for no more surprises.