Helpless JJ Redick had a meltdown response to the embarrassing loss on Saturday. The new-look Lakers determinately took on the Denver Nuggets, who held a 12-1 record against the LA side before the tip-off. When everyone expected the team under the head coach to break the curse and set the tone for the rest of the season, the Mile-High City obliterated the LakeShow with a blowout win. And the city witnessed Darvin Ham’s easygoing pressers, witnessed the helpless JJ ram over the loss.
Firstly, the Lakers Nation must acknowledge they’ve had two contrasting coaches in the last two seasons. Darvin Ham, who had a two-season coaching stint with the Lakers, has a much more relaxed approach to his mentoring style. The 51-year-old was often found with his hands in his pockets on the courtside during adversities. Fans and media heavily trolled and criticized him for the act.
Moreover, Ham’s pressers have a separate fan base for his pressers due to its carefree approach. “We’ll be okay. Trust me”: This is what he said after losing Game 1 of the playoff series. On the other hand, it’s hard to find a lighter moment in JJ Redick’s press interaction. The 40-year-old stands purely on business.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the loss against the Nuggets has pushed the coach into a vulnerable state. JJ, who took accountability for all the losses, helplessly pointed fingers and threw the towel in. Speaking to the reporters at the practice facility about the loss on Monday, he said, “We can all be better. The organization has to be there. Really, there is only so much we can do.”
JJ Redick speaks about Saturday’s loss against the Denver Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/a2wlPTNRin
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 26, 2024
Moreover, Redick went on to blame the players, saying,” I can joystick it as much as I want, but if you’re competing and you’re not playing, you’re just not participating in the game. There’s not a whole lot I can do.” Nevertheless, he seemed to find hope for a comeback, firmly saying, “That’s not who we are.” How will Redick stage a comeback?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
JJ Redick inspires the Lakers’ locker room with a special weapon
The special weapon is nothing but the tape. The star coach showed the visuals of the Lakers’ gameplay to the players to inspire them. In the game against the Nuggets, LeBron James and Co. went off to a flying start in the first half, headed to the locker room with a 6-point lead. Stepping into the third quarter, the team had everything going against them. Their offense was completely blocked down.
The Nuggets went on the 37-15 run in the third quarter and kept the momentum rising in the fourth quarter as well. At one point in the fourth quarter, the visitors made a 47-21 run, leaving the Lakers completely gassed out. Speaking of the third-quarter assault, Redick said, “In games, we have been down and came back. We started slow, we started strong. We have adversity in nearly every game. To me, that stretch of the third quarter was an aberration. That’s not who we are.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Above all, the star looking to inspire his players, added, “I reiterated to the team this morning and showed them who we are on the tape. It’s not like the thing weighed on me so much yesterday. It was more of a how do we focus on today and this week? It’s a big week for us.”
Do you think the Lakers can fight back their lost spirit and win their next outing against the Phoenix Suns? Let us know in the comments.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Can JJ Redick's fiery approach ignite the Lakers' spirit, or is it too late for redemption?
What’s your perspective on:
Can JJ Redick's fiery approach ignite the Lakers' spirit, or is it too late for redemption?
Have an interesting take?