Redick gives no Doncic update as Lakers’ playoff prep begins
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After placing his group via his first apply in preparation for the playoffs, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned Tuesday he would not have any extra details about when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves might return from their respective accidents.
“They’re out indefinitely,” Redick mentioned. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely.”
Reaves, who’s recovering from a Grade 2 left indirect pressure, was on the group’s facility and shot free throws after apply with teammates — whereas carrying slide sandals. After sustaining the damage April 2 in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunderhis rehab is predicted to take 4 to 6 weeks, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Doncic continues to be in Spain, the place he has acquired a number of injections on his Grade 2 left hamstring pressure. Sources informed ESPN that Doncic will return to LA on Friday be a part of his group for Game 1 of its first-round playoff sequence in opposition to the Houston Rockets on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
The Lakers can have LeBron James within the lineup, coming off Western Conference Player of the Week honors to assist LA to a 3-1 week to shut out the common season after their star backcourt was injured, however Redick mentioned the group’s sport plan will not solely be leaning on the 23-year veteran.
“I do think we have other options [other than] just him having the ball and going against a set defense every single possession,” Redick mentioned. “We’ll look to mix in different actions depending on their lineups and their coverages.”
After giving his group an off day Monday, Redick mapped out the remainder of the week to arrange for the sequence opener.
Tuesday “was about us,” Redick mentioned. Wednesday, the teaching employees will introduce the Rockets’ personnel, that includes the NBA’s fifth all-time main scorer, Kevin Durant; All-Star large man Alperen Sengun; and the 6-foot-7 wing, Amen Thompsonthought-about to be probably the most athletic gamers within the league. Then Thursday, the group will do their scout and Friday, reinforce that scout.
“Saturday, we’ll be good to go,” Redick mentioned.
While specializing in his group Tuesday, Redick deliberate a extra lively apply that he did final spring main as much as their first-round opener in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolvesto 117-95 defeat.
“We wanted to reach certain thresholds, and we did,” Redick mentioned, referring to monitoring information monitoring his gamers masses, accelerations and jumps through the session. “Thought the guys had a very business-like, focused approach to today’s practice.”
The a method Redick launched Houston to the combination was by working his gamers via a box-out drill.
The Rockets led the league in whole rebounds per sport (48.1) and offensive rebounds per sport (15.0). The Lakers completed twenty seventh.
“Taking care of the basketball and boxing out, that’s the series,” Redick mentioned. “Scheme, personnel, obviously important, but if we don’t take care of the ball and we don’t box out, we’re not going to win the series.”
Lakers backup middle Jason Hayeswho returned to apply Tuesday after sitting out the final 4 video games due to a sore left foot, mentioned the drill reminded him of his school days on the University of Texas.
And LA can have a Texas-sized problem with this Rockets group.
“I know I can impact the game with my energy: running, getting rebounds, boxing guys out,” Hayes mentioned. “Especially Clint [Capela] and the bigs, I know they’re on the glass heavy, so just making sure I keep them off and doing whatever the team needs me to do.”
