JJ Redick believes the Los Angeles Lakers made real progress this season, but after being swept by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, the head coach admitted the roster still isnt at a championship level.Despite injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for most of the Lakers first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles still managed to win 53 games and advance to the Western Conference semifinals in Redicks second season leading the franchise.But the series against Oklahoma City exposed the gap between the Lakers and the NBAs elite.Thats what we gotta figure out this offseason, Redick said after the Lakers Game Four loss. I will say for the things that we set out to do, build our championship habits and build our championship communication and championship shape, I thought we were darn close to doing that.And it doesnt mean youre gonna win a championship, but I take a lot of, I think I would say I take a lot of pride in our players, and what they all individually went through, what we collectively went through and what we turned out to be. You dont know on day one of training camp what youre gonna turn out to be, and Im just proud of who we are.While Redick praised the culture and growth within the group, he made it clear the Lakers cannot stand still if they want to compete for another title.Yeah, I believe in continuity, Redick said. I do think that if youre trying to win a championship, and this organization is. Im trying to win a championship. I know [Rob Pelinka] is trying to win a championship, I know Jeanie [Buss] is, I know Mark [Walter] is. Were trying to win a championship. So you have to be realistic and assess where youre at, and were not good enough right now. There probably will be some continuity; there probably wont be. But thats what the next two months are for.Related Article: Nick Wright Blasts NBCs Narrative Around Victor WembanyamaREAD MORE: LeBron James Opens Up on Retirement Status After OKC Sweep
