Coach JJ Redick takes direct shots at Lakers' $33 million star amid horrid bench production
Lakers coach JJ Redick took a pointed jab at Gabe Vincent before the team’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Redick candidly suggested that the Lakers might be in a stronger position if Vincent had taken some shots after logging 18 minutes on the court. His remarks came after Vincent’s surprising lack of shot attempts during the Lakers' 115-103 confidence-shaking loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Addressing the Lakers' underwhelming bench performance in the season's first seven games, Redick offered a straightforward response, publicly urging his players to bring more assertiveness to the court.
"It’s be nice if a guy could play 18 minutes and not shoot zero times. That’s not on him either," Redick said, as quoted by the Lakers insider Jovan Buha on X (formerly Twitter).
Vincent, the former Miami Heat guard, logged 18 minutes against the Pistons but posted zero points, rebounds or assists. The Lakers' bench contributed only 10 points overall, with Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht each scoring five.
Currently, the Lakers sit at the bottom of the league in bench scoring, averaging just 18.9 points per game. Redick is calling for more offensive spark from his bench players, particularly when LeBron James or Anthony Davis is off the floor.
Fans react to JJ Redick's comment on Lakers' bench
Lakers fans shared honest reactions after coach JJ Redick openly criticized his rotation players for the team’s dismal bench production.
"This is on Rob Pelinka lol JJ is already fed up with these atrocious rotation players," a fan wrote.
"Yes agreed. Dlo, Austin and LeBron haven’t been creating shots the past 3 games. Too many quick shots and 1 on 1’s," commented another fan.
"And if dude is playing 18 minutes to not shoot, you might as well play Cam over him. Btw rui played 35 minutes and took 6 shots. If cam finished the game over rui, we probably win that game," said another.
"No excuse for Gabe now. He's been given the minutes, JJ's given the challenge to shoot more. If he doesn't perform or keeps playing timid, there's no use keeping him on the court and he's now tradeable," commented another fan.
Through seven games, Gabe Vincent is averaging 17.7 minutes and 2.7 points per game, shooting 29.6% from the field, including just 18.8% from beyond the arc.
Also read: "Can be a major piece for us": Austin Reaves tips $4,600,000 teammate to play big role amid Lakers' atrocious bench production