Redick: Opponents Want Lakers Despite Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Injuries

JJ Redick insists opponents are not afraid to face the Lakers even with injuries sidelining Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. He told reporters, "I'm sure everybody wants to play us, let's get that out there. Everybody wants to play us." Dončić has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and Reaves a Grade 2 left oblique injury, leaving Los Angeles leaning heavily on LeBron James as they fight for first-round home court against the Houston Rockets. Merlin sees the picture clearly. With ball-handling depth reduced, the Lakers must find a new formula and belief to avoid late-season slipups, while opponents weighing rests signal shifting playoff math. Health updates and how LeBron is managed over the final two games will decide whether Los Angeles enters the postseason as a threat or an easy matchup.