"Worked my a** off on this craft"- Lakers' JJ Redick rebukes narrative of skipping the line to become NBA head coach
Ever since the LA Lakers signed JJ Redick as their coach, the former broadcaster's hiring has been under the scanner. Redick came in with no coaching experience at any competitive level. The perceived notion around this was the former NBA finalist jumped the line to bag the coaching job for a franchise like the Lakers.
Redick answered his critics on Tuesday during an appearance on Zach Lowe's podcast, "The Lowe Post," rebuking the narrative around his hire.
"I know I deserve this opportunity," Redick said. "It's not because I spent seven years as an assistant coach. It's because I have worked my a** off on this craft of basketball for the last 32 years. And I'm in this position because of that, not because I skipped the line." (1:09:14)
Redick had an unusual path to securing the HC role in LA, unlike most coaches in the league, who spent several years on the bench as assistants before getting the promotion. He was reportedly in contention for head coaching positions from the get-go, having interviewed for various teams before the Lakers, including the Raptors in 2023 and Hornets in 2024.
JJ Redick displayed his impeccable knowledge and high IQ through his podcast ventures, which made him an intriguing prospect. His rise through the ranks as a broadcaster at ESPN also may have played a part in it. After becoming a hit on debate shows, Redick earned the call-up to call games televised by the network.
By the end of his tenure, he was on ESPN's 'A-team,' replacing Doc Rivers next to Doris Burke and Mike Breen to call the NBA Finals.
JJ Redick has bluntly slammed critics from day one as Lakers head coach
It didn't take JJ Redick too long to address the negativity surrounding his hire as the LA Lakers head coach. The former NBA player was already dropping 'F-bombs' in his first press conference, ready to fend off all that was said against him when he took the job. When asked what 'misconceptions' he wanted to dispel about him to critics, Redick told reporters on June 24:
"I don't really have a great answer for your question because I really don't give a f***.
"I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don't want to dispel anything. I don't. I want to become a great coach in the NBA. And I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That's all I fu**ing care about."
JJ Redick understands he's had a unique path to get to where he is, but is confident that it was his unseen capabilities and experience within the sport in different capacities that got him the job with the Lakers. He seems determined to make an instant impact with his actions rather than words, and the early signs are there, considering the faith players have shown in him.