The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the winner's column, but you wouldn't be able to tell based on JJ Redick's reaction following a Saturday afternoon practice session.
Less than 24 hours after taking care of business against the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick met with the media and got as blunt as possible on his team's recent performance.
Clearly, the second-year head coach still has a lot of issues with his team's progress through the first few days of 2026.
JJ Redick Calls Out the Lakers
"I mean, I don’t know what else to do. I do a lot of joysticking over there on the sideline. Yesterday I said, let's run away, toss, bring it up the left side. I want so and so in it, it was after a dead ball, and we bring it up that side, and the person I want in the away toss isn't over there," Redick told reporters.
"That's happening so consistently right now. I chalk it up to the holidays."
This isn't the first time Redick was as blunt as possible with the media regarding his team's struggles. Just a week ago, he wasn't hesitant in calling out the Lakers' lack of execution and effort on the defensive end.
That public rant led to what Redick described as an "uncomfortable" film and practice session two days later. The Lakers felt like they were moving in the right direction, preparing to close out the year with better execution, but they still have a lot to work on in 2026.
The Lakers Are Still in Good Standing
Clearly, Redick and the Lakers know that there is a lot to work on, but they aren't in a position where they are clawing their way back up the Western Conference Standings.
Sitting fifth in the conference, the Lakers are 21-11 on the year, winning five of their last 10 games. They trail the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers and the Grizzlies will be back on the court on Sunday night for a rematch with the Grizzlies. Once again, they'll get an opportunity to improve as a unit, as they look to maintain a top spot in the west.
Newsweek