LeBron James and JJ Redick
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LeBron James and JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game.
After the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak on Tuesday, coach JJ Redick defended LeBron James from his haters. Redick ranted about people not appreciating the dedication of James to the game at 41 years old.
Speaking to reporters after their 141-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Redick was asked about his thoughts on James playing in his first back-to-back games of the season. He had nothing but good things to say about the NBA legend’s dedication to the craft before calling out his critics.
“It’s unfortunate how much this guy puts into it, and how much he cares, and the way certain people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts,” Redick said, via Lakers Daily.
When asked why it was unfortunate, Redick explained that people are generally envious of James. He went further by saying that certain parts of the media have to say bad things about the four-time NBA champion because positive views don’t produce clicks.
James Drops Near Triple-Double in Win
In his first time playing the second game of a back-to-back, LeBron James didn’t look 41 years old at all. He nearly had a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in 32 minutes. He helped the Los Angeles Lakers end a three-game losing skid to improve to 24-14 for the season.
Luka Doncic had 27 points, five rebounds and 12 assists, while Deandre Ayton put up a monster double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds. Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent all scored in double digits, with Bronny James being the only player to go scoreless among those who got minutes in the blowout win.
While the win was easy, their remaining schedule isn’t. They have three more games in five days. They welcome the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday before another set of back-to-back games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors to end the week.
That game marks the halfway point of the season, with the Lakers currently sitting fifth in a loaded Western Conference.
They are in dire need of an upgrade on the defensive side since their defensive rating is in the bottom half of the league at 16th. They are also the only team with a winning record that has a negative defensive rating.
‘King James’ Responds to Redick
In his postgame interview, LeBron James was asked about JJ Redick’s comments about the “unfortunate” fact that there are people who question his dedication to the game.
With a smile on his face, James had a simple message about being appreciated for the career he has had.
“I just hope that once I’m done, that I made an impact for the people that follow my career and watch me. My fans that’s been locked down with me for over 23 years since I kinda started this journey as a high school freshman. That’s all that matters,” James said.
Despite having the resume to be called The GOAT, James is still one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA. He’s closer to retirement now more than ever, so it might be time to appreciate him more.