Lakers' coach, JJ Redick, stated that "everybody wants to play them" due to injuries and a lack of top two scorers, and that they are weak and vulnerable towards the end of the regular season. This comes after a strong March, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the scoring charts. However, injuries have led to nearly 60 points per night for the Lakers, and they are now relying on LeBron James to carry the team on his back. Despite this, the Lakers have won two consecutive games against teams that will be in the play-in tournament. They will host the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, regardless of their opponent.