Ahead of a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed the latest intel he received from the team’s analytics department. According to Redick, they confirmed that their opponents suddenly get healthy when it’s time to play against them.
“I think it’s like 86% of [opposing] payroll has been available to [play] us this year, which is by far No. 1 in the league,” said Redick on Saturday.
Ja Morant is officially back in the lineup tonight after a six-game absence, just in time to face LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the new-look Lakers. While some fans might have been surprised by the news, Redick has learned to expect it, and he was actively planning for Morant to will play.
The Grizzlies, who are tied with the Lakers in the standings, will argue that Ja only returned because he’s fully healthy, but Redick has been tracking a noticeable trend this season.
Like countless Lakers fans, JJ has noticed how often players return to full health against them despite not playing the games before or after. It’s been a recurring theme for the franchise, and the fans have begun to theorize that maybe it’s for a reason. Dating back months, there’s been a developing theory inside Lakers Nation that player availability is different for them than any other team in the league, and now they have the stats to prove it.
This season alone, we’ve seen several examples of players miraculously getting healthy against the Lakers. Norman Powell pulled the stunt in a four-point performance back in March. Back in February, Donte DiVincenzo had previously missed 43 games, only to return against the Lakers.
As the most popular and marketable team in the league, the Lakers always bring a wave of attention, and playing against them means the chance to put on a show when the people are watching. LeBron James and Luka Doncic only enhance their popularity and give players more reasons to show up and play against them.
JJ Redick Speaks On Lakers’ Morale After Tough Loss
The Lakers are just days removed from a crushing loss against the Bulls, where a buzzer-beater from Josh Giddey stunned the basketball world. Even ahead of a tough battle tonight, Redick kept his spirits high and confirmed that his squad is ready to move on.
“We’re great,” said Reddick. “I think most of the guys had a level of resolve yesterday, and we were dialed in this morning with our prep. We’ll be ready to play.”
With the playoffs looming, the Lakers need to be at their absolute best right now, and Redick says every game from here on out will have major urgency.
“I don’t look at any game as one of 82,” said Reddick. “Every game so far has been the most important this season, and tonight is the most important game of the season so far.”
The Lakers have been going at full speed since the Luka Doncic trade. With two of the game’s top 10 players leading the way, Los Angeles has found a lot of success this season at 44-29 (fourth in the West).
Of course, things will only get harder from here. With every team in the league ready to give them their best, the Lakers cannot afford to lose focus, and the margin for error is slimmer than ever. No matter who is in their path, the Lakers must play together if they want any hope of making a lasting playoff run.
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