The upcoming series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder has generated significant hype around the league. While some may expect a fierce rivalry, their coaches have shown nothing but respect for each other. This time, it was Mark Daigneault who shared his thoughts on JJ Redick.
The Thunder are clear favorites to win the series against the Lakers. Earlier this week, Redick claimed his opponents were among the "greatest teams in NBA history". However, the LakeShow still has a few weapons despite Luka Doncic’s absence, including their highly regarded coach.
Daigneault, who never played in the NBA, recalled how effective the Lakers coach was during his playing days. “I might’ve shown film of him to players before. He was a great court-balanced guy. He executed every coverage. He’s physical”, the Thunder coach said about Redick.
Daigneault added that the former NBA player had a “defensive DNA,” even though shooting was what Redick was best known for. “That’s certainly translated to his coaching”, the OKC coach concluded. His statement is backed by the numbers.
The Lakers have the fourth-best defensive rating in the league this season at 105.2, while the defending champions sit at 109. Regardless, the Thunder still hold an advantage. Redick’s side has lost all four of their matchups against OKC, three of which were blowouts.
To counter OKC, the Lakers will need strong defensive contributions from Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and LeBron James. Redick faced a similar challenge in the first round against the Houston Rockets. Alperen Sengun, who led the Rockets in scoring during the series, was effectively contained in the later games by Ayton.
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The Lakers center later revealed that Redick had challenged him to guard Sengun one-on-one. This adds further context to Daigneault’s comments about Redick’s defensive mindset. Despite being known for his offensive game, the Lakers coach has always emphasized discipline on the defensive end.
Redick will now have the opportunity to prove the Thunder coach right as fans await an entertaining series. An ESPN panel has unanimously picked Thunder to beat the Lakers, slightly similar to their first round pick for the Rockets series. As far as injuries are concerned, Doncic remains the only player on the Lakers’ injury report.
Meanwhile the Thunder have ruled out Jalen Williams and Thomas Sorber. The series will tip off at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 5 at 8:30 PM EST.
