The Los Angeles Lakers fell 115-96 to the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their playoff series, a result that forces a Game 5 back in Southern California.

While the defeat might suggest cracks, the spanish media Marca also highlighted the strategic acumen of rookie head coach JJ Redick, who is navigating a severely depleted roster through the demanding NBA playoffs.

Game 4 saw a rare off-night for LeBron James, who managed just 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting, his lowest scoring output in the NBA Playoffs since 2014. The Lakers’ offense collectively struggled, marking their worst offensive showing since April 4.

The Rockets, in contrast, showcased a balanced attack, with all five starters clearing the 15-point mark, led by Amen Thompson’s 23 points. Deandre Ayton contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough to secure the sweep.

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Redick’s tactical masterclass amidst injuries

Despite the Game 4 setback and the team’s offensive woes, Redick’s impact on the Lakers’ defensive identity has been profound. Described as a “defensive chameleon,” Redick has constantly cycled through multiple defensive looks, blending hybrid zones, aggressive double teams, and traditional man-to-man coverage.

This tactical flexibility has been crucial, especially given the significant injuries sidelining key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both out since April 4. The Lakers’ issues, as LeBron James himself pointed out, have stemmed more from a stagnant offense than a lack of defensive effort, a testament to Redick’s system.

The Lakers still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, and no team in NBA history has ever successfully erased a 3-0 deficit. Their objective remains clear: secure a series-clinching win in front of their home fans at the Crypto.com Arena.

This strategy also aims to minimize minutes for a fatigued LeBron and buy crucial time for Austin Reaves to fully integrate back into the lineup. There’s also hope that Luka Doncic could potentially return for the second round, further bolstering a roster that already includes the gritty veteran presence of Marcus Smart.

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Looking ahead to Game 5

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Los Angeles. A win would advance the Lakers to the next round, marking their first time doing so since 2023. Despite the recent loss and ongoing injury concerns, the Lakers are still considered a legitimate threat in the Western Conference, largely due to the defensive foundation laid by Redick and the veteran leadership on the court.

Sources: www.marca.com

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