Nonetheless, the Lakers were viewed as a playoff team by most but had some major flaws due to being led by first-time head coach JJ Redick. Redick was the favorite from the minute the Lakers fired Darivn Ham after their early playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets.

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Following the win over the Clippers, Lakers head coach JJ Redick announced an official injury designation for Hachimura. "JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura’s injury has been diagnosed as left patellar tendinopathy," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote on X.

In an interview with ESPN, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss revealed that she had reservations about hiring Redick because of his lack of experience. "I was worried about hiring a rookie

The Los Angeles Lakers have a relatively solidified eight-man rotation as they head into the stretch run of the season. Head coach JJ Redick has his starting lineup and three solid bench players in Jarred Vanderbilt,