The Lakers coach admits his banged-up squad has become the preferred first-round target for playoff-bound Western Conference rivals.
JJ Redick isn't mincing words about his team's current situation. The Lakers head coach openly acknowledged that Western Conference contenders still fighting for playoff positioning would love nothing more than to draw Los Angeles in the opening round.
The brutal reality facing the Purple and Gold is that injuries have left them looking vulnerable at the worst possible time. With key players battling through various ailments, Redick's squad appears to be limping toward the postseason rather than charging forward with championship aspirations.
This represents a stunning fall from grace for a franchise that entered the season with legitimate title hopes. The Lakers' struggles highlight just how quickly fortunes can shift in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, where every team is looking for any edge in the playoff race.
For a coach known for his basketball IQ during his playing days, Redick's candid assessment shows he understands the harsh mathematics of playoff basketball. Teams smell blood in the water, and right now, the Lakers are the wounded shark everyone wants to circle around when the postseason begins.
