JJ Redick made his debut as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers this season, guiding the team to the NBA Playoffs. However, their postseason journey ended quickly, as the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the first round.
Despite achieving a strong regular season performance that secured the third seed in the Western Conference, JJ Redick struggled to find solutions during the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his job as head coach reportedly remains secure, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick.
“The Redick experience was mostly positive, as the Lakers’ ability to earn the No. 3 seed had everything to do with his ability to connect with his players while showcasing his tactical acumen,” wrote The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick.
According to the same report, team sources assured that Redick’s position as head coach is not in jeopardy. “Despite the early playoff exit, Redick’s job is safe, and the Lakers are optimistic about his future with the franchise, team sources told The Athletic,” Buha and Amick added.
Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Rob Pelinka about Redick’s season
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed confidence in Redick’s performance during his first season as head coach, praising his work ethic and impact on the team.
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“JJ brought just a complete revival of energy and incredibly hard work ethic, attention to detail, a spirit to our team, to our group, to our franchise as a rookie coach that we haven’t seen in a long time,” Pelinka said in an interview with The Athletic.
“Our level of confidence, my level of confidence, couldn’t be higher. He’s a great partner to work with,” he continued. “He’s an incredible basketball mind and I know that every year for him will be things to celebrate and learning lessons. That’s just who he is. That’s exciting for the Lakers, for our fan base and for our future”.
LeBron James on Redick’s rookie year
Lakers star LeBron James also commended Redick for his efforts, highlighting the unique challenges of being a rookie coach in Los Angeles. “JJ is gonna continue to grow,” James said after the team’s elimination. “Thought he had a hell of a rookie campaign for a rookie coach”.
“And it’s a lot different being a rookie coach. It’s already hard being a rookie coach in the NBA. And it’s a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach coaching the Lakers,” he continued. “It’s a whole ‘nother ball game. And I thought he handled it extremely well”.
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