The Los Angeles Lakers took another step forward in their playoff push, securing a crucial 120-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.
With stars like Luka Doncic delivering 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Austin Reaves adding 22 points and eight assists, the Lakers extended their winning streak to three games. Now sitting at 43-25 and third in the Western Conference, Los Angeles has momentum on its side.
But for head coach JJ Redick, success comes with caution-particularly when it comes to the ever-watchful "basketball gods."
"We would all love to have homecourt advantage," Redick said postgame, according to Lakers Nation. "It would be nice. Our group has been awesome at home so far. But again, you gotta play the next game and you gotta win the game in front of you. And then, I've seen it too many times, the basketball gods. You start messing around with things, the basketball gods, they will punish you."
WATCH: JJ Redick talked about Luka Doncic's night and the #Lakers defense against the Nuggets.https://t.co/oCZ4Y3zKXD
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 20, 2025
JJ Redick's perspective is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, especially with the postseason looming. The Lakers have positioned themselves well, but with a tightly packed Western Conference race, they can't afford to get complacent.
Every win matters, and Redick's message reinforces the need for focus and urgency.
Los Angeles may have the talent to secure homecourt advantage, but as Redick warns, tempting fate isn't part of the plan. For the Lakers, the only path forward is simple: win the next game.
Related: ESPN Legend's Opinion of Lakers' JJ Redick Made Perfectly Clear
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 6:40 AM.