JJ Redick Sparks Concern With Blunt Comments Ahead of Lakers-Thunder Game 1
JJ Redick, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, made striking comments about the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of their playoff series, calling them one of the greatest teams in NBA history. He compared them to legendary squads like the 1995–96 Bulls and 2015–17 Warriors based on their dominant net rating. The Lakers, facing an uphill battle without Luka Doncic and with a much lower net rating, now confront heightened doubts entering the series.
- ▪JJ Redick stated that the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the greatest teams in NBA history, comparing them to the 1995–96 Bulls and 2015–17 Warriors.
- ▪The 2025-26 Thunder posted a +11.1 net rating, with a +12.8 rating the previous season, ranking among the highest in modern NBA history.
- ▪The Lakers enter the series with a +1.5 net rating and will be without star player Luka Doncic for the start of the series.
- ▪Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31.1 points per game and won MVP, supported by Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and strong role players.
- ▪Oklahoma City had a +13.1 net rating with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor, surpassing the +10 threshold Redick referenced.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Los Angeles Lakers nearly let a first-round series slip through their fingers against the Houston Rockets.Despite jumping out to a 3–1 lead, L.A. lost momentum late before regaining control with a 98–78 Game 6 blowout on Friday, powered by a vintage 28-point performance from LeBron James.The win pushed them into the second round and briefly restored belief that a deep playoff run was still within reach.That optimism didn’t last long.On Sunday, head coach JJ Redick offered a sobering assessment of their next opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder."We saw a stat in our morning meeting, teams that have had…
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