Watch: JJ Redick rages with anger and slams chair twice after Lakers' $36M guard plays hero ball
JJ Redick completely lost it after the Lakers' $36 million guard D'Angelo Russell botched a possession during the team's 131-114 loss to Memphis on Wednesday. The play happened during the third quarter when the Lakers were down 77-68, still in a position to fight back and win the game.
However, Russell made a series of plays that seemingly contributed to a massive swing for the Grizzlies that changed the game's course. Redick was infuriated on the sidelines, and his reaction went viral. He slammed his chair twice before angrily telling the refs that he needed a timeout.
Here's the video:
Before missing that ill-advised 3 in the corner, Russell walked into a 3 when the Lakers trailed 72-68 and missed that. LA had 14 seconds on the shot clock and could have generated a better look. On the other end, Russell lost his man defensively, which put the Lakers in rotation, and the Grizzlies extended their lead to 75-68.
Russell was again caught sleeping on defense after he failed to tag his man and gave up an easy layup at the rim, extending the Grizzlies' lead to 77-68.
Then the missed 3 from the corner was the final nail in the coffin for JJ Redick to bench his starting point guard the rest of the way. Memphis hit another 3 on the other end after D'Angelo Russell's third consecutive defensive miscue to take a 12-point lead.
That put the game out of the Lakers' reach, who played without Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura.
JJ Redick offers blunt response to D'Angelo Russell's benching
JJ Redick ensured he let his starting point guard know what cost him his minutes down the stretch against the Memphis Grizzlies. D'Angelo Russell played only 22 after a series of botched plays on both ends in the third quarter. Redick didn't hesitate to point out that Russell's lack of 'attention to detail' and 'level of compete' led to the decision.
He also mentioned giving defensive stalwart Gabe Vincent those remaining minutes on offer was the better option, giving the Lakers a chance to get back into the game. While Vincent was solid defensively, he struggled on offense.
However, so did Russell. He scored 12 points on 4 of 12 shots and didn't make an impact with his playmaking, either, tallying only six assists.
JJ Redick's Lakers started hot on a 3-0 run with consecutive wins against playoff-caliber opponents like the Timberwolves, Suns and Grizzlies. However, they are 1-4 since after their first five-game road trip of the year.