HOUSTON — Lakers’ Coach Discusses Desperation Heading Into Playoff Series

In recent media appearances, Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of playing with desperation, especially as the Rockets sought to avoid losing the first two games of the playoff series. Historically, fewer than 10 percent of teams have managed to recover from such a deficit since 1984.

After the Lakers’ win against the Rockets in Game 2, Redick was aware that no team in NBA history has come back from an 0-3 deficit. This reality intensified the Rockets’ sense of urgency as they prepared for Game 3.

On Friday night, the Rockets appeared defeated. However, the Lakers showed their own level of desperation, securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with a 112-108 victory in overtime.

Marcus Smart shared his philosophy on the game, saying, “I’ve been telling the players since I arrived here, leave everything on the court. You never know what can happen. With some of our top players out, we have to play with the most urgency.”

Desperation can manifest in many ways. For instance, LeBron James executed a pivotal play late in the game, helping tie it to force overtime. Meanwhile, players like Smart and Rui Hachimura contributed significantly, grabbing crucial rebounds that kept the Lakers in control as the time ran out.

Even less overt displays of urgency were apparent, with solid defensive rotations and aggressive rebounding ensuring that the Lakers maintained their composure. Jackson Hayes articulated the team’s mindset: “We’re playing like every game could be our last. It’s about going all out for one another.”

Despite their victory, it’s clear that the Lakers are not without flaws. Redick acknowledged this after Game 3, recognizing the need for improvement. But he noted that the team found a way to put themselves in winning positions, playing with the necessary intensity. “We played with desperation, like underdogs, matching the Rockets’ hard-fought effort,” he said.

Looking ahead to Game 4 at the Toyota Center, the Lakers continue to adopt a mindset of urgency. “It’s not over yet,” Smart stated. “We have the chance to end it on their home court, and no team wants to face embarrassment there.”

This upcoming game could be the Lakers’ opportunity to secure their first playoff series win since 2023. “We’re aiming for that killer mentality,” Smart explained. “We’ve put them on the ropes; it’s our job to finish them off and maintain that pressure.”