Lakers’ JJ Redick refutes relying solely on LeBron James vs. Rockets in playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets will begin their best-of-seven first-round matchup in the playoffs on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. The main question on everybody’s mind: Can LeBron James still carry a heavy load?

All eyes will be on James as he tries to lead the Lakers sans Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are still out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury and an oblique injury, respectively.

Many are expecting the 41-year-old James to don his superhero cape anew and lift his team past the opening round. After all, he has done it in the past.

Lakers coach JJ Redick, however, dismissed the belief that they will rely solely on the four-time MVP against the Rockets, as he stated in a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“I do think we have other options (aside from) just him having the ball and going against a set defense every single possession,” said Redick.

“We’ll look to mix in different actions depending on their lineups and their coverages.”

Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard are expected to step up and provide the missing production from Doncic and Reaves by committee.

At his age and with his mileage, James should not be carrying a squad single-handedly. He also has a tough task ahead, as he will face tough defenders in Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Josh Okogie, and Jae’Sean Tate.

Moreover, his matchup with Kevin Durant might be their last, and surely, James, who is rumored to leave the Lakers in the summer, would want to get the edge.

He averaged 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists versus the Rockets this season. The Lakers won the season series, 2-1.

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