JJ Redick Admits How He Challenged The Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers needed a strong effort after a lopsided home loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

They did just that against the Miami Heat.

J.J. Redick’s team got off to a somewhat slow start to the game, but they rallied in the second half to secure a nine-point win.

Following the game, the first-year coach admitted that he had challenged his players to show better leadership.

Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick pointed at one play in which Anthony Davis dove for a loose ball as an example of the little things everybody could and should do to lead by example.

JJ Redick said he challenged his entire team to show better leadership at their morning meeting. He said AD diving to the floor for a loose ball tonight was an example of the little things every player can bring as a leader to the spot the Lakers find themselves in the season.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 16, 2025

It’s been a tale of two teams with the Lakers this season.

They’ve alternated big wins with head-scratching losses.

That kind of inconsistency worries analysts about their championship chances.

Even so, they’ve fared better under Redick than in the last year under Darvin Ham.

They’re currently sitting in the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference.

Once again, they’ve also been linked to multiple players ahead of the trade deadline.

Most reports suggest they are going after a big man to pair with Anthony Davis, with veterans like Jonas Valanciunas reportedly sitting near the top of the list.

LeBron James continues to post his usual numbers, but he’s entering his fourth decade on this Earth, so there’s only so much he can do to lead this team night in and night out.

Regardless of who’s on the floor, carrying this team will take a collective effort.

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