Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick officially began the team’s late-season stretch without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on Sunday.
Both stars are out for the rest of the regular season after suffering major injuries during Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, while Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
With four games left on the schedule, their absences loom large for Los Angeles. The shorthanded Lakers dropped their second straight game, falling to the Dallas Mavericks 134-128.
After the game, Redick addressed an intriguing change he made in his backcourt rotation.
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In the wake of Doncic and Reaves’ injuries, LeBron James was expected to assume primary ball-handling duties for the playoff-bound Lakers. Redick instead made a bold choice, starting sharpshooter Luke Kennard at point guard.
The unconventional shift worked in stretches. The 29-year-old recorded his first career triple-double with 15 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and 11 assists.
After the game, Redick explained the approach and credited Kennard for his adaptability.
“We talked a lot about simplifying the initial play call and getting into second actions,” Redick said via Lakers Nation on X. “I think overall the guys did a really good job of that.
"We got to figure out what can be the second ball-handler. Obviously, 41 minutes is too much for [Kennard], but I thought he did some amazing things. I think it was the first triple-double of his career.”
James still excelled in a hybrid role, finishing with a team-high 30 points and 15 assists. The short-handed Lakers competed well but could not contain Cooper Flagg. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner erupted for 45 points and nine rebounds.
Los Angeles faces the Thunder again on Tuesday, as Redick’s point guard decision remains a key storyline to watch.
