JJ Redick's unapologetic approach to the Oklahoma City Thunder game and what followed after has caught a lot attention from Los Angeles Lakers fans. There are some in the community who believe Redick is going too far, or only targeting certain players in his crticism. Both of those ideas are silly.
Whether it is calling out Deandre Ayton for his inability to secure a basketball, yanking Jarred Vanderbilt from a game due to his struggles, or letting Rui Hachimura know he needs to be better, Redick is doing right by the Lakers. Los Angeles needs the tough love right now.
Did anyone think life without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves would be easy? It won't be. The Lakers' job from here is to survive, Redick said as much. That means getting more out of the players who are still active and playing. That is the only way Los Angeles does not get packed up by their first-round matchup in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Lakers fans used to hate Darvin Ham for not creating a culture and sense of accountability around the team. Redick has more than done his part to do just that throughout the season. Suddenly, that much is a problem to some?
JJ Redick is forcing the Lakers to not give up on their season
The Lakers coach made it clear that he wanted guys who will compete and work their butts off after news of the major injuries to his star backcourt broke. The message was once again reiterated after the loss to the Thunder.
Redick said: "I don't want to use a war metaphor in this time, but whatever you got to do to go out and fight and be all in on the team, we'll find the nine guys. It's a great opportunity for us over the next three games to find those guys."
Maybe some of his players have just gotten too used to being bailed out by Doncic, Reaves, or even LeBron James (who also missed the Thunder game). If that is the case, that habit needs to be broken fast and Redick is doing his part to give that extra push.
The idea that Redick gets down hard on specific players and not others is a touch ludicrous too. The Lakers coach has held everyone to a fair standard throughout the campaign.
Does no one remember when the clip of him and Doncic going back and forth on the sidelines went viral for all the wrong reasons? How many other coaches are going up against their MVP-level superstar like that?
Redick has always been who he is, for better or for worse. The second-year coach wears his emotions on his sleeve and wants to push his players to be the best versions of themselves. Finding issues with that is searching for problems where there aren't any. Considering all the problems plaguing the team elsewhere, creating something out of nothing is malpractice in this instance.