JJ Redick Says 'Everybody Wants to Play' Injured Lakers in Playoffs
Lakers coach JJ Redick said Friday that other Western Conference teams want to face Los Angeles in the first round of the NBA playoffs. He made the comments before the Lakers played the Phoenix Suns, suggesting rival teams see his injury-hit squad as an easy matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick believes his team has become the preferred first-round playoff opponent for other Western Conference teams still fighting for seeding.
"I'm sure everybody wants to play us," Redick said Friday before the Lakers hosted the Phoenix Suns. His comments suggest that injuries have made the Lakers appear vulnerable to potential playoff opponents.
The Lakers have dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, leaving them short-handed at key moments. Other Western Conference teams that haven't locked in their final playoff seeding may be hoping to draw Los Angeles as their opening-round matchup.
Redick's frank assessment highlights the challenging position his team finds itself in as the regular season winds down. The Lakers, despite their star power and championship pedigree, are being viewed as a potentially easier playoff opponent due to their current roster limitations.
The Lakers are one of the NBA's most popular teams, but injuries have weakened their playoff chances. If other teams really are targeting them as preferred opponents, it shows how far the franchise has fallen from its championship expectations.
Watch how Western Conference teams perform in their final games, which could determine playoff seeding and matchups.
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