JJ Redick believes the Lakers are close to contending for the title despite getting swept

JJ Redick believes the Lakers are close to contending for the title despite getting swept originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Lakers are now eliminated from the 2026 NBA Playoffs after getting swept by the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder .

It was an eventful series, but it was clear that OKC was the true dominant force. Lakers head coach JJ Redick tried his best to maximize his team, but they could not get a single win. That could also be down to Redick's decision-making, as he has been called out for a crucial misstep in the clutch in Game 4 when he took out sharpshooter Rui Hachimura .

JJ Redick sees title contender potential in his Lakers team It is difficult to get a single win against the Thunder , considering two teams have failed to do so in this year's Playoffs. However, the Lakers did have a shot at doing so in this series with all the close games. Unfortunately, the Thunder's quality won out with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Ajay Mitchell all playing at an elite level.

Now, the Lakers have to go back to the drawing board after getting swept. MORE: The Lakers might need to move on from LeBron James to contend, according to a former champion Since he is looking like the long-term head coach for the Lakers, Redick is already looking forward to the future. Some fans might be frustrated with him after that Hachimura blunder, but it seems he is focused on turning the Lakers into a contender again.