Before the crucial playoff game against the Houston Rockets, head coach JJ Redick gave some major hints about his rotation plans. At the center is Bronny James, who might have earned postseason minutes.

Redick spoke to the media on April 15, 2026, to address the team's overall preparation. He pointed out Bronny ahead of the Lakers' first-round series against the Rockets. 

The head coach said, “We’re gonna have to have all hands on deck… I think Bronny’s improved a lot. I think we trust him. The shooting piece, I’m a believer in because of how well he shot it the last two years in the G league."

"I know there was a stretch recently where he didn’t shoot it well… he’s improved a ton defensively in terms of his body positioning both on and off ball. We want him to continue to evolve as a disruptive defender as well.” JJ Redick added.

Bronny has appeared in 42 games this season, which is much better than his 27 appearances as a rookie. A key moment came on April 12, when he played 19 minutes, scored 11 points, and proved he belonged on the court.

His NBA efficiency is hitting 40.9% from the field and a very respectable 38.6% from three-point range. 

His performance for the South Bay Lakers was even more impressive. In the G League, Bronny is averaging 15.6 points per game. He shot 56% from the floor and over 45% from deep during a 14-game stretch. 

LeBron James has recently praised his son's progress, saying that his playing time was "real, meaningful minutes" and that he was proud of how he did in the G League.

Redick isn't hiding the fact that the Lakers have a lot of injuries going into the playoffs, even though Bronny's rise is a rare bright spot.

JJ Redick Delivers Tough Injury News for Lakers

On Tuesday, the Lakers held their first practice to get ready for the playoffs. Roster injuries continue to hamper the team's playoff preparation.

Reporters pressed Redick for more information about Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, two players the Los Angeles team really needs to make a real run in the playoffs, and he didn't budge.

"They're out indefinitely," Redick said. "I'm not going to have an update for you this week. They're out indefinitely." 

Reaves performed light shooting in slide sandals, highlighting his limited mobility.

He has a Grade 2 left oblique strain from the game against Oklahoma City on April 2, and ESPN's Shams Charania says it will take four to six weeks to heal.

Doncic is getting shots in Spain for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, but sources told ESPN that he will fly back to Los Angeles on Friday, just in time for Game 1 against Houston on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Do you think the Lakers can still win Game 1 without Doncic and Reaves? Comments down below!

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Written by

Utsav Sinha