JJ Redick’s recent induction as head coach of the Lakers has elicited both praise and disapproval. However, Redick is impervious to the doubtful commentary.
Speaking unabashedly, Redick recognizes the cynics but pronounces his apathy towards their judgments. In terms unambiguously firm, he stated, “I don’t give a f***.”
A fresh meme emerges, courtesy of @jj_redick pic.twitter.com/fXCpAkxEmZ
— HTB ♨️ (@HenryTheBlasian) June 24, 2024
Questioned about his plans to confront the doubt regarding his new role, Redick was direct.
He remarked, “I’m completely conscious of the gossip. These recent weeks have been rather illuminating… Yet, responding to your question, I don’t see the need to defend myself, because, frankly, I don’t give a f***. Directing the Lakers is my main interest, my attention is there. I’m not here to invalidate any fallacies. My aim is to thrive as an NBA coach, to pursue championships, and to elevate my team to their utmost capability. That is all that concerns me.”
Throughout the media session, Redick’s use of humor was apparent, possibly as a stratagem to offset the intensifying scrutiny from the press.
He finds his inexperience somehow droll 😭😭
“I’ve never before coached in the NBA”
JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/REsNqDqiCW
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 24, 2024
While some conjecture that Redick was not the Lakers’ foremost choice, with the team’s initial preference rumored to be University of Connecticut’s coach Dan Hurley who declined the offer, Redick had his own comparison to share.
“Dan Hurley is a distinguished national champion at UConn twice over,” mentioned Redick. “Whereas, I’m celebrated as a dual-time victor in the Swish League for the young third and fourth grade athletes. I see the parallel.”
Broadcast journalism students vying for ESPN roles in their final year pic.twitter.com/aXJc28E8w3
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) June 23, 2024
Although Redick may lack conventional coaching experience, the Lakers squad has shown staunch confidence in his leadership pointing to his rich history as a contender, sports commentator, and podcast host.
“I might not have prior coaching experience in the NBA, but I see myself as well acquainted.”
JJ Redick alludes to the past three years spent hosting podcast chats, narrating finals, analyzing plays, and interviewing for coaching positions as basic stepping stones for his coaching endeavors at the NBA level pic.twitter.com/aGsNdbUCrW
— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) June 24, 2024
The “Mind the Game” podcast series featuring LeBron James for the past three months has prompted light-hearted suggestions that its proceedings were akin to an extended coaching audition for Redick with the renowned team.
That LeBron & Redick podcast was actually just a protracted job interview 😭 pic.twitter.com/F0JjiObQqP
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 21, 2024
As Redick steps into his coaching role, he has revealed that his time producing podcasts will be on hold, at least temporarily.
JJ Redick announces a pause on his podcast work as he embarks on the head coaching journey for the Lakers.
“For now… I’m stepping aside from content creation. The podcasts are on hold.”
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 24, 2024
Following his eminent 15-year NBA career (2006-21), Redick transitioned to a role as an ESPN analyst in 2021. His profound comprehension of basketball is something the Lakers’ followers are eager to see translated into triumphs in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
