Remember when JJ Redick criticized Doc Rivers for not owning up to the Bucks’ struggles? That was him as a TV analyst pointing fingers at Milwaukee’s coach.
Lakers’ Early Lead Disappears
Fast forward eight months, and now Redick is facing criticism himself. During a game against the Suns, his Lakers started strong with a nine-point lead after the first quarter. But things quickly went downhill as they were outscored 25-14 in the second quarter, leading to a 109-105 loss.
The Lakers lost their energy early in the second quarter. In less than three minutes, they let the Suns cut down their lead to just two points. Careless mistakes by the Lakers helped shift momentum towards Phoenix.
Redick Takes Responsibility
Afterward, Redick admitted that stretch of poor play was his fault. He said, “We should never have a 14-point quarter,” acknowledging that he needed to ensure better offensive plays. He explained how they got stuck and didn’t move well on offense during that time but improved significantly in the second half.
Fans appreciate when players or coaches own up to their mistakes; it shows character.
Redick’s comments show he’s willing to take responsibility when things go wrong. His attention to detail during games has earned him praise from analysts and former players alike. However, it’s his dedication to learning from errors by watching hours of game footage that truly benefits the Lakers.
Facing New Challenges
It was clear that Redick’s initial success with the Lakersโhaving their best start in 14 yearsโwouldn’t last forever. Now they’ve faced their first loss and are heading into a challenging series of away games against tough teams like the undefeated Cavaliers and Grizzlies. During this road trip, tensions might rise, putting Redick under pressure again. How he deals with these challenges will reveal his true strength as a leader.