'Embarrassed' JJ Redick brings down the hammer on Lakers players, LeBron James reacts
JJ Redick didn't hold back on the LA Lakers after Wednesday's 41-point blowout loss to the Miami Heat. The first-year coach brought down the hammer on his players, seeking ownership from everyone while claiming he was 'embarrassed.' Meanwhile, LeBron James agreed "1000%" on whatever Redick had to say about the team amid a rough stretch that's gotten worse after the 134-93 defeat to Miami.
"There has to be some ownership. I think when a group is not performing well … It's easy to not want the ownership. Particularly when it's embarrassing. I'm embarrassed, we're all embarrassed," Redick said.
"I can’t physically get us organized, I can’t physically be into the basketball … I’m not blaming players, I own this, but we need some ownership on the court as well. There’s not a sense from me that we’re together right now and that’s what we say in the huddle. Doesn’t feel that way."
The Lakers were off to a 3-0 start, hit a 1-4 slump, and bounced back to go 10-4. However, in the last eight games, LA racked up eight losses. Suddenly, the Lakers' attention to detail and effort has gone missing. It couldn't have been more evident.
LeBron James made himself clear that the Xs and Os weren't the issue, and it's not resolving the Lakers' woes. He also firmly stood by what JJ Redick said and sided with the coaching staff.
"I agree with everything JJ said," James told reporters. "Whatever he say, I agree, 100%, 1000%."
While the Lakers suffered a forgettable loss, LeBron James returned to form after a lean stretch. He scored 29 points, five rebounds and eight assists, shooting 12 of 18. The 39-year-old also snapped a 3-point shooting drought, lasting 22 straight attempts. That 3 also saw him pass Kyle Korver on the all-time 3-point shooting list for seventh place.
JJ Redick plans to have individual meetings with Lakers players amid chemistry concerns
JJ Redick has concerns about the Lakers' lack of chemistry. The rookie coach admitted he doesn't feel the team is together during huddles or on the court, and that is contributing to their ongoing meltdown. However, he's looking to be proactive in solving this issue.
After Wednesday's demoralising loss, Redick said he plans to host meetings with coaches and players as a group and with some personnel individually to ensure the team doesn't 'splinter' further.
Anthony Davis also showed support for JJ Redick and his staff, reiterating LeBron James' thoughts that the issue is among the players. That further proves that there are ongoing chemistry problems on the court. The lack of communication on the court is reflective of how things are playing out, so Redick's decision to have these meetings seems apt given the situation of the team.