LOS ANGELES — Down 0-3 in the Western Conference semifinals and facing a historically daunting deficit, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick delivered a message of resilience and optimism on Sunday, framing the team’s dire situation as one they have been built to handle all season long.
Despite three straight losses to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Redick insisted that the pressure of playing for the Lakers has prepared his squad for exactly this kind of must-win environment.
“Being on the Lakers, you feel like your back’s against the wall every game,” Redick said. “So I think the whole season has prepared us to be in a position where we’re in.”
The Lakers have shown flashes of competitiveness against a star-studded Thunder team but have consistently faltered in the second halves. Los Angeles dropped the first two games on the road by 18 points apiece before falling by 23 points in Game 3 at home on Sunday. Yet Redick pointed to the team’s ability to remain within striking distance through the first two-and-a-half quarters as evidence that adjustments can make the difference.
“The MVP is 18, 22, 7-of-20 [from the field] tonight, and they’ve kicked our ass three straight games,” Redick said shortly after Game 3. “Third straight game we’re right there after two and half quarters. We tried different lineups, tried different coverages, still lost those minutes again.”
“They’re a terrific basketball team. I said that before the series. I’ve been very impressed with them. Still think we can beat them. But we’ve got to be better.”
Adversity Has Been the Lakers’ Constant Companion
This postseason has tested the Lakers’ depth and resolve from the outset. Superstar Luka Doncic has missed the entire playoffs with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that has not responded to multiple procedures in Europe and an intensive rehabilitation program. Austin Reaves also missed the start of the playoffs but returned in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Behind LeBron James’ leadership, Los Angeles rallied to win that series in six games after building a 3-0 lead.
The Thunder, however, present a far steeper challenge. Oklahoma City has received outstanding production from its supporting cast, most notably Ajay Mitchell, who dropped a game-high 24 points in Game 3. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been limited to 18, 22, and 23 points across the first three games, the Thunder’s balanced attack has still overwhelmed the Lakers.
History Stands in the Way
No team in NBA playoff history has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit. The Lakers are well aware of the mountain they must climb, yet Redick’s message was clear: the focus remains on winning one game at a time and forcing the series back to Oklahoma City.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers have not beaten the Thunder in seven meetings this season, including the regular season. A victory would extend the series and shift Game 5 to OKC, while a Thunder win would improve their playoff record to a perfect 8-0 and send them to the Western Conference Finals.
As the Lakers prepare for what could be their most important home game of the season, Redick’s optimism serves as a rallying cry. The pressure is immense, but for a franchise accustomed to living with it, this moment may be exactly where the 2025-26 season has been leading them all along.