Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick formally started the staff’s late-season stretch with out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on Sunday.
Both stars are out for the remainder of the common season after struggling main accidents throughout Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring pressure, whereas Reaves was identified with a Grade 2 left indirect pressure.
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With 4 video games left on the schedule, their absences loom giant for Los Angeles. The shorthanded Lakers dropped their second straight recreation, falling to the Dallas Mavericks 134-128.
After the sport, Redick addressed an intriguing change he made in his backcourt rotation.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick at a press convention at Crypto.com Arena.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
In the wake of Doncic and Reaves’ injuries, LeBron James was anticipated to assume main ball-handling duties for the playoff-bound Lakers. Redick as a substitute made a daring selection, beginning sharpshooter Luke Kennard at level guard.
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The unconventional shift labored in stretches. The 29-year-old recorded his first profession triple-double with 15 factors, a career-high 16 rebounds and 11 assists.
After the sport, Redick defined the strategy and credited Kennard for his adaptability.
“We talked a lot about simplifying the initial play call and getting into second actions,” Redick stated by way of Lakers Nation on X. “I believe total the blokes did a extremely good job of that.
“We got to figure out what can be the second ball-handler. Obviously, 41 minutes is too much for [Kennard], but I thought he did some amazing things. I think it was the first triple-double of his career.”
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James still excelled in a hybrid role, finishing with a team-high 30 points and 15 assists. The short-handed Lakers competed well but could not contain Cooper Flagg. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner erupted for 45 factors and 9 rebounds.
Los Angeles faces the Thunder once more on Tuesday, as Redick’s level guard choice stays a key storyline to watch.
Related: Mavericks Announce Cooper Flagg Feat During Lakers Game
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Apr 6, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
