Lakers 'Sucked' Against Thunder During Regular Season, HC JJ Redick Says Before Playoff Series

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick admitted to reporters Tuesday that his team "sucked" against their second round playoff opponents, the Oklahoma City Thunder, during the regular season.

OKC beat L.A. by scores of 121-92, 119-110, 139-96 and 123-87 this season. That's a total deficit of 117 points, or an average loss by 29.25 points per game.

L.A. also begins this series without superstar Luka Dončić, who is still recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 against OKC in the 139-96 loss. He is "not close" to returning, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

"He's not close. Most likely you're not gonna see Luka Doncic at the front end of this series maybe at least for another week to 10 days on the minimum. So the Lakers are gonna have a reality they're gonna have to do it without (him)."

Dončić averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. The Lakers do still have talent besides Dončić, of course, namely LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Still, they'll be facing an uphill climb to win this series. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City.