April 11 wasn’t just another regular season night — it was a historic one for the fans at Crypto.com Arena. For the second time in the last 14 years, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 50-win season. The Purple and Gold torched the Houston Rockets 140-109, marking their fourth win in the last five games. But while the crowd roared, the Lakers’ head coach had a message for the fans.
The Lakers Are Still Not Done
After Friday’s win against the Rockets, during the postgame interview, JJ Redick was asked how he felt about the Lakers — now the third seed in the West — clinching a playoff spot. The 40-year-old had a straightforward answer: “Not done.”
The rookie coach also showed flashes of the same “Mamba Mentality” that Kobe Bryant was known for.
“I spent all of three and a half minutes on a flight back from Dallas just thinking about making the playoffs and thinking about the coaching profession. I think as a coach, you are obviously judged on regular season wins and losses and your ability to get to the playoffs.”
“But I think the other two things you are really judged on are the way you handle the pressure of the playoffs — the adjustments and the in-game stuff. There’s so much work to do for myself and our staff. And I think you’re also judged on the culture you create and whether or not your players and everybody in the building are coming to work,” Redick said.
“JOB NOT DONE”
– JJ Redick has the Mamba Mentality 🐍 pic.twitter.com/rauxCEFqlX
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 12, 2025
Redick’s terse response echoed Kobe Bryant’s iconic 2009 press conference, where the Black Mamba — facing questions about his demeanor during the NBA Finals — famously stated, “What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished.” That mindset has long defined Lakers basketball, and Redick tapping into that championship DNA shows just how locked in he is.
The win over Houston showed what the Lakers can do when they’re firing on all cylinders. LeBron James scored 14 points in just 22 minutes and was helped by Luka Dončić, who added 39.
With one regular season game left and the playoffs looming, the message is clear: this team isn’t just here to participate. They’re here to compete, to contend, and to honor the legacy of those who came before them.
Lakers Icon Had a Message for JJ Redick
Having played for teams like the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks, Redick’s extensive on-court experience has given him a deep understanding of the game.
On Friday night, as Redick celebrated his 50th win as Lakers head coach, LeBron James shared a heartfelt message with him following the victory.
“Man, I was going to say something, but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways, more important, CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50-win season in the WEST & postseason nod,” James wrote on X.
James is averaging 24.4 points and 8.2 assists per game, and his experience and leadership will be key for the Lakers in the postseason.