Redick encouraged the Lakers to face the playoffs with greater resilience.

Thanks to contributions from Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 131-103 at home in their final game of the 2025/26 NBA regular season. Head coach JJ Redick stated that the playoffs are tough regardless of the opponent, and therefore, a strong mentality is essential for victory.

According to the data, Deandre Ayton scored 22 points and had one assist for the Los Angeles Lakers in this key game, Rui Hachimura scored 22 points, and LeBron James contributed 18 points and 6 assists.

After winning 53 games this season, the Los Angeles Lakers finished fourth in the Western Conference standings. In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers will face the Houston Rockets.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, "Whether we're ranked 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th, we know one thing: there are no easy games. The Houston Rockets are certainly a very good team, and we will be ready and fight to win the series."

"Before playing the Utah Jazz, we told the team that the key was not the opponent, but ourselves. Now, it's time to study the opponent. In the next four or five days, we will do our best to get the players in top mental and physical condition and ready for the game."

Redick emphasized, "We need to focus on the task at hand. Whatever the first game is like, we will use the current lineup and find the best way to win the first game. In the past two seasons, we have had to coach in many different ways. For the players, the most important thing is to see how dedicated I and the coaching staff are to helping them prepare."

"It's about how we communicate and interact with each other, the respect between players, and the respect between coaches and players, which can be seen every day."

When discussing Marcus Smart's playmaking ability, Redick said, "That was one of the main reasons we wanted to bring Marcus Smart in the first place, and not just because of his defensive ability. He knows how to facilitate his teammates, and with Austin Reeves and Luka Doncic out, the task of organizing the offense doesn't have to fall entirely on Luke Kennard and LeBron James."

In addition, Redick said, "For me, the core of the playoffs is resilience, and part of that is never letting go. The team that can hold on the longest often wins the series."

"This team needs a strong mentality, and we also need our current players to stay healthy. We also need to make sure we get through this week healthy, while building that belief."

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