Lakers’ JJ Redick praises Thunder, hints at whistle: ‘They don’t foul’

The Lakers know what’s coming. JJ Redick made sure to say it out loud.

As Los Angeles gets set to face the Thunder in the second round, Redick pointed to Oklahoma City’s ability to play aggressive defense without getting into foul trouble.

“They don’t foul, so the whistles aren’t gonna be there,” Redick said after practice, via Lakers Nation. “You accept that going in. They don’t foul.”

There may be a little gamesmanship there. Coaches have a long history of framing a series early, and Redick didn’t shy away from it. Phil Jackson used to do the same thing.

Still, the numbers back up what Redick is saying.

The Thunder finished with one of the league’s top defenses while committing just 19 fouls per game, among the fewest in the NBA. With defenders like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, they pressure the ball, force turnovers and stay disciplined.

Redick took it a step further.

“You’re talking about a team that is top five in every category that’s disruptive,” he said. “Steals, blocks, turnovers forced, all that stuff. And they don’t foul. They somehow do all of that without fouling, which is one of the most remarkable things in NBA history.”

He didn’t stop there.

Redick also placed the Thunder in rare company, citing teams like the 1995-96 Bulls and the 2015-17 Warriors when discussing Oklahoma City’s sustained dominance.

“The Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history,” he said.

That’s the challenge in front of the Lakers. Respect is there. So is the reality of what they’re up against.