Lakers News: JJ Redick Confirms Rob Pelinka’s Trade Stance Amid Dorian Finney-Smith Grizzlies Rumors

Even though LeBron James and Rui Hachimura were sidelined with illness, and Anthony Davis was in the back nursing his injured ankle, the Lakers had a surprisingly positive outlook. D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes also couldn’t fully participate in practice because of health issues, yet there was still a sense of hope for JJ Redick and Co. It’s a strange but promising time for LA!

Friday kicked off a stretch where the Lakers can finally unpack and get comfortable. Starting Saturday against Sacramento, the Lakers are about to enjoy a stretch where 11 of their next 14 games will be in Los Angeles.

But all these prior road trips have taken a toll on players, plus their regular role players from last season are out as well. Injuries have kept Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood off the court so far this season.

When asked on Friday about the importance of getting his players healthy before the trade deadline, JJ Redick made it clear that he’s still confident in the Lakers’ current roster. “Rob [Pelinka] and I talk all the time, but my focus is on coaching this group and trying to maximize this group. Frankly, I have belief that when this group is healthy, we can compete,” he said. “If there’s a move to be made, there’s a move to be made. But I’m focused on this group.”

JJ Redick thinks the Lakers can compete as currently constructed

“Frankly, I have belief that when this group is healthy, we can compete. If there’s a move to be made, there’s a move to be made. But I’m focused on this group.”https://t.co/kLWt4MmjbJ

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) December 28, 2024

Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis Play Tonight Against Sacramento? Kings vs. Lakers Injury Report, Depth Chart and More Explored

They kicked things off with a strong 10-4 record, including a six-game win streak in November. But since then, their performance has been shaky, with a 7-9 record in their last 16 games. Even though they’ve won four of their last five, they still have a lot of work ahead.

The LA side needs some new legs, and they wanted Cam Johnson, but he’s hot property right now. Too many teams want him, including the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors. They wanted another forward, but it looks like the Grizzlies got there first. Marc Stein reports that Brooklyn and Memphis are in “active discussions” about trading Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Lakers are looking to complete a sweep of the Sacramento Kings, holding a 3-0 lead with an average score of 115.7 to 108.7. Two of those games, though, were tight, decided by just four points.

While Los Angeles has 10 players listed on the injury report, the good news is that JJ Redick’s team is finally getting healthy. Bronny James and Maxwell Lewis are currently in the G-League, while five other players are officially out. But there’s hope.

D’Lo, who missed the Christmas Day win against the Warriors due to a thumb injury, is likely to play on Saturday. He practiced on Friday and is listed as probable. AD, LeBron, and Hachimura are questionable. Davis only played 7 minutes on Christmas Day and didn’t practice on Friday, but he plans to be on the court against Sactown. James and Hachimura, who were both sick on Friday, will be game-time decisions.

via Imago

One bright spot: Jaxson Hayes participated in noncontact drills, a big step after being out since November with ankle issues. Redick noted that Hayes’ rim running and defensive presence have been sorely missed. “He had his best stretch before being injured…we’ve missed him,” Redick said.

On the flip side, the Lakers have sidelined Jalen Hood-Schifino with a hamstring injury for the 11th straight game. Vanderbilt and Wood are still recovering, with no clear timeline for their return. JJ hopes they’ll be back before the team heads to Texas, which should be by the 1st week of January.