The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a pivotal transition, and their new head coach, JJ Redick, is wasting no time laying down the law. In just his first few weeks on the job, Redick has already established himself as a no-nonsense leader who isn’t afraid to call out his team—superstars included—when they fall short. Following a disappointing 113-104 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, Redick didn’t mince words, labeling the Lakers’ performance “frustrating” and putting the entire roster on notice. With the LeBron James era potentially nearing its twilight, Redick’s fiery approach might be exactly what this team needs to avoid slipping into mediocrity.
A Preseason Wake-Up Call
Tuesday’s game against the Suns was supposed to be a celebratory moment for Lakers fans, with Luka Dončić making his debut and delivering a solid performance. From a fan’s perspective, it was a success to see the young star take the court. But the final score told a different story. The Lakers crumbled in the second half, mustering just 38 points en route to a nine-point defeat. For Redick, the loss wasn’t just a preseason hiccup—it was a red flag signaling deeper issues with the team’s consistency and commitment to building winning habits.
In his post-game press conference, Redick was asked how he balances the positives and negatives of a preseason game, especially considering that not all players who saw the floor will be regular rotation pieces when the real season begins. His response was blunt, direct, and a masterclass in setting expectations:
“It’s very simple, actually: I’m trying to form consistent habits,” Redick said. “So you’re trying to do that, that means everybody. That doesn’t mean three guys. You need everybody doing that. I thought there were some really good things tonight on both ends of the floor… But if you want to be a good team, you got to do it every single time. You got to do the right thing every single time. That’s where, I don’t think any of the groups tonight were as consistent as they need to be. To me, we took a step forward with some of the defensive stuff from the other night against Golden State. We took a step backwards tonight. That’s a little bit frustrating.”
This wasn’t the harshest critique Redick has ever delivered, but for a preseason game, it’s a bold statement. Most coaches would shrug off an exhibition loss, chalking it up to experimentation or rust. Not Redick. His insistence on “consistent habits” and doing “the right thing every single time” sends a clear message: no one—not even LeBron James or Anthony Davis—gets a free pass.
Why Redick’s Rant Hits the Mark
Redick’s frustration is justified, and his approach is a breath of fresh air for a Lakers franchise that has often leaned on its star power to coast through challenges. The Lakers have been inconsistent in recent years, oscillating between championship contention and first-round playoff exits. With LeBron James now in his 23rd NBA season at age 40, the window for another title in the LeBron era is rapidly closing. Redick understands that relying on talent alone won’t cut it anymore. To compete in a loaded Western Conference, the Lakers need discipline, cohesion, and a commitment to excellence from every player on the roster.
The numbers from Tuesday’s game underscore Redick’s point. Scoring just 38 points in the second half is unacceptable for a team with the Lakers’ aspirations, even in a preseason context. While there were bright spots—defensive improvements from their previous game against Golden State—the lack of sustained effort and execution is a glaring issue. Redick’s call-out isn’t about tearing his players down; it’s about holding them accountable to a higher standard. He’s not just coaching for wins in October; he’s laying the foundation for a team that can grind out victories in April, May, and hopefully June.
The LeBron Era on the Brink
LeBron James has defied Father Time longer than any athlete in NBA history, but even he can’t carry a team forever. The Lakers’ reliance on LeBron’s brilliance has often masked deeper flaws, from inconsistent role players to questionable coaching decisions in past seasons. Redick’s arrival signals a shift in philosophy: this team will no longer rest on its laurels or bank on LeBron’s heroics to bail them out. Instead, Redick is demanding a collective effort, a team-wide commitment to the habits that define championship contenders.
With only one preseason game left—an exhibition matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night—the Lakers have one final chance to fine-tune their approach before the regular season begins. Redick’s comments suggest he’ll be watching closely, evaluating not just the result but the process. For a team with championship-or-bust expectations, every possession matters, even in the preseason.
Redick’s fiery rant is a wake-up call, but it’s also a sign of hope. His willingness to be blunt, even in the preseason, shows he’s not here to coddle his players or make excuses. The Lakers have the talent to be a playoff team, with LeBron, Anthony Davis, and a promising supporting cast. But talent alone won’t get them past the likes of Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas in a brutal Western Conference. Redick’s focus on habits—defense, execution, and consistency—could be the key to unlocking this team’s potential.
As the Lakers head into their final preseason game and the regular season beyond, all eyes will be on how they respond to Redick’s challenge. Will they embrace his call for relentless consistency, or will they fall back into old habits? One thing is clear: with JJ Redick at the helm, complacency is not an option. The LeBron James era may be on the brink, but Redick is determined to make it go out with a bang, not a whimper.