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Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick said Monday’s film session did not uncover any hidden issues after the Lakers opened the series with a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets. “I don’t think there was anything revelatory in the tape that we didn’t feel like we saw or felt in live play,” Redick said.
Redick said the focus was on cleaning up details, not changing identity. “There’s a lot of stuff that we can do better and a lot of stuff we can clean up,” he said. “We know that they’re going to be the more desperate team in game two and we have to play with the same sense of desperation we had in game one.”
The Lakers used efficiency to take control in Game 1, shooting 40-for-66 from the field, while Houston finished 35-for-93 despite grabbing 21 offensive rebounds. Redick said the playoff response starts with urgency and discipline.
“We have to play with the same sense of desperation,” he repeated, pointing to the Rockets’ likely adjustment pressure in Tuesday’s Game 2.
Redick also praised the team’s preparation and the way it handled Houston’s lineup changes. “I thought our week of preparation just put us in a good spot to go into game one regardless of who was in the lineup tonight,” he said.
The return of Luka Doncic has added another layer to the Lakers’ preparation. “It has been nice. It’s been really nice,” Redick said. “He definitely rebounded and passed in some shooting drills.”
Redick explained that Doncic’s mindset needs little pushing. “Some guys you can tell them you have a green light and that’s all they need to hear and they’re ready to just get shots up,” he said.
He added that the message to Luke Kennard is simple and direct. “We have constant conversations about that,” Redick said. “We need you to shoot. It’s unlikely he’ll go five for five every game. But I loved his level of aggression.”
Redick also singled out Rui Hachimura’s two-way value, calling it a key part of the Lakers’ ceiling. “I thought he did a good job of executing our game plan, matchup specific and KYP specific,” Redick said. “The ceiling for our team is maximized when he’s playing at a high level.”
On the details that decide playoff games, Redick pointed to the glass and the cost of lost possessions. “Those are the things that are more consequential, particularly against this team,” he said of offensive rebounds allowed.
The Lakers will bring that message into Game 2, where Redick wants the same edge without the same mistakes. “Every day requires something different,” he said. “Tomorrow is going to require an elevated sense of desperation on our part because they’re going to come in with that.”
