Coach J.J. Redick Knocks Lakers For Lack Of Effort, Storms Out Of Press Conference

Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick was visibly frustrated during his post-game press conference following a 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Citing a lack of effort throughout the roster, he went out of his way to compliment LeBron James for a grittier performance.

Playing without Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura, James assumed a larger role in the offense and scored a season-high 39 points. He could not make up all the difference, however, as the team fell to 4-4 on the season.

“I think LeBron was fantastic tonight,” Redick said of James’s performance. “Biggest thing that stood out. … He played hard. Almost 40 years old and played the hardest on our team. It says a lot about him.”

Redick’s kind words for the team ended with James, as he went on to blame the rest of the team for a lack of effort in the loss. He admitted to significantly cutting D’Angelo Russell’s playing time in the second half in order to kickstart production on the floor. In a game in which the Lakers were shorthanded, Russell played just 22 minutes.

After discussing the team’s lack of effort beyond James, a reporter asked Redick how he would address it with the team. The coach angrily replied, “I just did.” He then stormed out of the press conference, telling the reporter on the way out that it was the first thing he said to the team in the locker room. 

The Lakers have made headlines by virtue of their star power and the limited appearances of Bronny James, but as a unit, they have been underwhelming. The team has show flashes as a potential contender, splitting a pair of games against the Suns in late October. This loss to the Grizzlies and another against the Pistons on Monday demonstrate that the team is still working out the kinks.

James will be the star of this team for as long as he plays for it, but Los Angeles’ hopes of a championship rest on production beyond its generational star. If Redick cannot motivate players like Russell to produce in a supporting role, then it could be a long season on the West Coast.