Lakers insider predicts modest sixth-seed finish for LA under JJ Redick
The LA Lakers appear confident that first-time coach JJ Redick's new coaching system will help them make considerable strides in the crowded Western Conference. However, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, LA will likely finish marginally ahead of last season's Darvin Ham-led squad.
The Lakers, spearheaded by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, placed seventh in the West (47-35) last season. Afterward, they suffered a hard-fought 4-1 first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Following their early postseason exit, they fired Ham, whose schemes and rotations garnered frequent criticism over his two-year coaching tenure. LA gambled on Redick as his replacement, who has been lauded for his attention to detail and structure entering his rookie coaching campaign.
Despite having no high-level coaching experience, Redick seems determined to revamp the Lakers' playstyle. The former sharpshooter emphasized ball movement and 3-point shooting during the preseason. Meanwhile, he called on his players to consistently attack the offensive glass or get back on defense to avoid being in limbo.
Nevertheless, LA has nearly the same roster as last season, with rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James being its highest-profile offseason additions.
According to Buha, the organization's minor roster changes combined with Redick taking over for Ham will lead to only two more wins.
"I have them 49-33. I think it's gonna be a little bit more of a top-heavy Western Conference this year," Buha said during Monday's episode of "Buha's Block."
However, Buha expressed optimism about the Lakers' chances of pulling off a playoff upset. He predicted them to knock off the defending West champion Dallas Mavericks as a sixth seed in the 2025 postseason's first round.
"So, I have them [as the] sixth seed at 49-33, and then losing in Round 2," Buha said. "Based on my personal standing predictions, I have them playing Dallas in Round 1 and then Minnesota in Round 2."
Buha added that best-case scenario, he could see LA making a conference finals run. However, he was reluctant to predict the franchise to advance to Round 3.
"I think they could actually beat both of those teams and make the conference finals, but I'm gonna say they only beat one, and then they end up losing in Round 2," Buha said.
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Jovan Buha says JJ Redick-led Lakers need to avoid Denver and OKC in 2025 NBA playoffs
While projecting the Lakers' 2025 playoff prospects, Jovan Buha noted that the team needs to avoid Denver and the OKC Thunder to have upset potential.
According to the LA insider, the Nuggets, who eliminated the Lakers from the last two postseasons, have their number. Meanwhile, Buha predicted the Thunder to be in a tier of their own atop the stacked West.
"Denver's been the kryptonite, and I think OKC is gonna be awesome this year and one of the best West teams we've seen in quite a bit," Buha said. "If they can somehow avoid playing OKC or Denver in Round 1, I think they have a really good chance of pulling off an upset."
LA commences regular-season action on Tuesday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers went 2-4 during exhibition play, with their key players receiving extended rest.
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