‘You Have to Kill Them’: JJ Redick Challenges Lakers for Game 5 Against Rockets

TL;DR

The Lakers lost Game 4 to the Rockets, missing a chance to sweep the series. Coach JJ Redick emphasizes the need for a killer mentality in Game 5 to eliminate the Rockets' survival instinct.

Key points

Lakers lost Game 4 by 19 points
JJ Redick emphasizes a killer mentality for Game 5
Austin Reaves might return, Luka Doncic remains out
Game 5 will determine who advances to face the Thunder
Rockets star Kevin Durant will not play

Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsOklahoma City Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 4 to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, spoiling their chances at a series sweep.

Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Now up 3-1, the Lakers need to focus on their mindset, coach JJ Redick says, and that means extinguishing the Rockets’ survival instinct.

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A post shared by LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport) “Well, you have to kill them,” Redick said Tuesday. “It’s difficult to kill someone … Survival instinct says ‘I want to stay alive.’ And so you’ve got to be able to kill them.”

Rockets were hard to kill in Game 4

On Sunday, the Lakers had a chance to sweep, but they ended up losing by 19 points. Deandre Ayton and Adou Thiero were ejected, and Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard were fined for criticizing the referees after the game. In Game 5, though, the , while Rockets star will remain sidelined. The Lakers’ other top scorer, , will remain out, however. It’s unclear when Doncic will return, but the Lakers will likely need his services soon to either close out the Rockets or for the next round. The winner of this series advances to face the defending champions, the , in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Q&A

What did JJ Redick say about the Lakers' mindset for Game 5?

JJ Redick stated that the Lakers need to adopt a killer mentality to extinguish the Rockets' survival instinct.

Who is injured and likely returning for the Lakers in Game 5?

Austin Reaves is expected to make his return for the Lakers in Game 5, while Luka Doncic remains out.

What are the stakes for the Lakers in Game 5 against the Rockets?

The Lakers need to win Game 5 to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.