With the playoffs locked in and nothing left to play for in the standings, the Los Angeles Lakers are taking no chances. Sunday’s season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers will have a much different look, as head coach JJ Redick has chosen rest over risk.
Nearly every major contributor is expected to sit, giving the younger guys a chance to shine and the veterans a much-needed breather before the postseason grind begins. For a team that has battled through injuries and tough matchups all season long, this is a chance to finally exhale before the real battle begins.
Lakers to Rest Key Players as Focus Shifts to Postseason
Fresh off a dominant 140-109 win against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, avoiding the play-in tournament for the first time since 2020. With their playoff position secure, Redick and the front office are prioritizing health.
The official injury report reads more like a who’s who of the Lakers’ core. LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves are all listed as out. Their absences aren’t due to serious new injuries, but rather precautionary rest as they gear up for the postseason. The team’s focus is now firmly on round one, where every possession and every body counts.
LeBron’s case is particularly important. After dealing with a groin strain last month and briefly aggravating it during the win over Houston, the extra rest is a calculated move. Skipping the Portland game ensures a full week off, which could be crucial in helping the King return at full strength. The Lakers know that if they want a deep playoff run, James’ health will be front and center.
Alongside those five, Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) will also sit. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes (right hand contusion), Jarred Vanderbilt (left foot injury management), and Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion) are listed as questionable. Jordan Goodwin (right plantar fasciitis) is probable. Altogether, it’s a lengthy list, but one that reflects a strategy built around caution.
With Stars Out, Lakers’ Depth Gets a Chance Amid Injury-Focused Rest
With stars resting, Sunday offers a rare opportunity for players like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht to see meaningful minutes. Knecht, a talented rookie who’s often been squeezed out of the rotation, could use this game to remind everyone of his potential. Bronny, still developing, will get valuable floor time before the stakes rise.
Even if the result won’t affect the standings, strong performances could shape rotation decisions down the line. Redick will surely be watching closely to see who steps up when called upon.
Meanwhile, the decision to rest core players is as strategic as it is necessary. It’s been a long season, and with several players managing nagging injuries, even one unnecessary tweak could be costly.
Instead of risking it, the Lakers are playing the long game, which seems like a good move. The playoffs are a marathon, not a sprint and the Lakers are choosing to start theirs with fresh legs.