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Photo: JJ Redick / Instagram   The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling. They’ve dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference after a crushing 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, their worst of the season. This is JJ Redick ’s first year as an NBA head coach, and he’s already under pressure. Even with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis , injuries to key players like Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood , and Jarred Vanderbilt have hurt the team. The Lakers replaced former coach Darvin Ham during the offseason, but Redick has the same 12-9 record Ham had in his first 21 games. After the embarrassing loss to the Timberwolves, critics are questioning Redick’s ability to lead the team. Photo: JJ Redick / Instagram Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas didn’t hold back, saying Redick should lose his job.   “If it were up to me, J.J. would’ve got fired last night,” Arenas said on his show, Gil’s Arena. Despite the criticism, it’s still early in the season, with 61 games left fo...

Photo: LeBron James / Instagram   LeBron James has decided to take a break from social media, citing the "negative takes" online.  The NBA star made the announcement after responding to a post by Kevin Durant ’s manager, Rich Kleiman, about the negativity in sports coverage. Kleiman wrote that sports should bring people together, but instead, many discussions have become about clickbait and negativity. LeBron agreed, posting "AMEN" before adding, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.” Photo: LeBron James / Instagram   Recently, there has been criticism about LeBron's son, Bronny James , and the way he's being treated in the G League . Bronny, 20, has been allowed to only play home games for the Lakers' G League team. He made his debut on Nov. 9 against the Salt Lake City Stars. And with that said I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care ✌🏾👑 — Le...

Photo: Bronny James (Instagram) Bronny James , rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to travel with the team until November 6. After that, he’ll start moving between the Lakers and their G League team , the South Bay Lakers. However, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick , this plan could change based on how things go. The Lakers kicked off their season with a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the first NBA game with LeBron James and Bronny playing together as a father-son duo . Their next games are against the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and other teams across the country. Redick, along with Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka and LeBron, has supported Bronny splitting time between the main team and the G League for his development. LeBron recently shared his excitement for Bronny’s growth as a player, whether he’s with the Lakers or their G League team. Photo: Bronny James (Instagram) For players like Bronny, who was picked in the second round of the NBA Dra...

Photo: LeBron James, Bronny James (Instagram) When Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick decides to put LeBron James and his son Bronny James on the court together, NBA history will be made. It could happen in their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves or later in the season. For LeBron, who's starting his 22nd season, while his son begins his first, the exact timing doesn't matter. “Whenever it happens, it will happen," LeBron said. He’s enjoyed guiding Bronny through practices and helping him adjust to the life of a professional athlete. LeBron, 39, took a moment to reflect on the challenges his 20-year-old son faced. In July 2023, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during a workout while preparing for his freshman year at USC. Despite that scare, Bronny pushed through and is now on the verge of making his NBA debut. Photo: LeBron James, Bronny James (Instagram) LeBron mentioned how amazed he was when Bronny played in a college game not long after his heart surg...

Photo: JJ Redick (Instagram) LeBron James missed Thursday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. When asked why LeBron was out, Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave a funny answer that had fans laughing. The Lakers won the game 128-122, thanks to Anthony Davis and Dalton Knecht, who both scored 35 points. But everyone noticed that LeBron didn’t play at all. When asked about it, Redick joked, saying, "DNP – Old... Taking it out of Pop’s book." He was referencing Gregg Popovich , the San Antonio Spurs coach, who once listed Tim Duncan as “DNP – Old” to rest him back in 2012. LeBron, who will turn 40 soon, is being rested to keep him fresh for the season, just like how Popovich managed Duncan when he was getting older. Photo: JJ Redick (Instagram) Redick has been careful with LeBron’s playing time during the preseason, limiting his minutes in several games to make sure he stays healthy for the regular season. The Lakers will play their last preseason game...

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James   Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made waves during the team's coaching search, despite his camp saying he was staying out of it. Historically, James has given input on roster moves, but this time he wanted the Lakers to make the decision on their next coach independently. Many believed James preferred JJ Redick , his podcast co-host. However, the Lakers surprised everyone by pursuing UConn head coach Dan Hurley . They hoped Hurley could build a long-term program similar to what he’s done at UConn. Although Hurley ultimately turned them down , he revealed on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" that James had texted him in support. “We had some text messages. An incredible message from him over the course of the weekend, just talking about basketball and some different things, and letting me know that if he was there in L.A., that I’d have his support. Just think about that, man. That blew my mind. And the exchange even went through to when I ...

Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick During ESPN's broadcast of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, former player and analyst JJ Redick sparked a flurry of reactions from fans by referring to Kyrie Irving as an "ethical scorer." The unusual term left many viewers scratching their heads and poking fun at Redick. Redick's commentary has been a mixed bag for fans. While his insights into the game are often appreciated, moments like this reveal his deep dive into NBA Twitter jargon, sometimes to the confusion of the broader audience. In the first half of Game 3, Irving put on a spectacular show, scoring 20 points with dazzling moves, including stepback threes and smooth layups. Instead of simply praising Irving's performance, Redick chose the term "ethical scorer," a phrase that baffled many. Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick The term "ethical scorer" refers to a player who relies on skillful play rather than drawing fouls to score points. However, for many watching, this ...

Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick The Los Angeles Lakers' coaching search seemed straightforward at first, with ESPN commentator JJ Redick as the favorite. But things took a turn on Thursday morning when UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley emerged as a surprise candidate. Hurley, who has led UConn to back-to-back National Championships, brings extensive college coaching experience, whereas Redick has only coached at the youth level. Despite Hurley's sudden rise to the top of the list, Redick remains a viable option. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers' search is far from settled. Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss are set to formally interview Hurley on Friday. However, Hurley could still decide to stay at UConn, where he has a six-year, $32.1 million contract, with a $1.9 million buyout to join the NBA. Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick While there are rumors that Pelinka offered Hurley over $100 million, Hurley is still...

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James LeBron James will not be part of the Los Angeles Lakers' search for a new head coach. Despite many assuming he would have significant input, this is not the case. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" that James has stated the decision is up to the organization. He has had no talks with the Lakers about his podcast partner, JJ Redick , for the job.  James' agent, Rich Paul , also confirmed that their podcast partnership doesn't mean James wants Redick as coach. James, who may play only two or three more seasons, has a player option for the 2024-25 season.  Photo: Instagram/LeBron James The Lakers want a coach who will be in place beyond that, which could make Anthony Davis more involved in the decision. Davis is signed for two more seasons, with an option for 2027-28. Other top candidates for the position include James Borrego and Sam Cassell. Borrego, an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets, ha...

Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick Former NBA player JJ Redick is being considered as a potential head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers if current coach Darvin Ham is let go, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.  McMenamin stated on The Dan Patrick Show that Redick is a "real candidate" for the position.  Although Redick retired from playing in 2021, he is now an NBA analyst for ESPN and hosts two podcasts. Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick While he lacks coaching experience, Redick has emerged as a contender for coaching positions this season.  If not with the Lakers, he could still debut as an NBA coach next season. The Lakers have yet to fire Ham but are reportedly expected to do so soon after their first-round playoff exit.  Hiring Redick would be a gamble due to his lack of coaching background, but his fresh perspective might benefit the team as they aim for a turnaround next season. Read Next: Conor McGregor Calls For 'Lifetime Ban' For Ryan Garcia Following Positive PED ...

Photo: Instagram/Rajon Rondo In a recent episode of the 'Mind the Game' podcast hosted by LeBron James and JJ Redick , the duo talked about high IQ players in the NBA.  LeBron highlighted his former Lakers teammate, Rajon Rondo , praising his intelligence on the court. LeBron expressed surprise that Rondo hasn't pursued coaching, considering his high basketball IQ.  Responding to this, Rondo revealed his plans in an interview with NBA reporter Rachel Nichols. He's waiting for LeBron to buy an expected NBA expansion team in Las Vegas and hopes to coach it. Photo: Instagram/Rajon Rondo However, family remains Rondo's top priority right now. His 16-year-old daughter is heavily involved in volleyball and is going through the college recruitment process. Rondo wants to support her in making her college choice. Rondo aiming to become an NBA head coach straight from retirement would be unprecedented. But with his close ties to LeBron, who's keen on owning the Las Vega...

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James voiced his frustration with the prevalent "one-on-one mentality" among younger NBA players during an interview on the Mind the Game podcast with former NBA guard JJ Redick . James expressed annoyance at the trend of players prioritizing individual matchups over team play, stating, "Everyone now has a narrative of this thing called, 'I have a bag,' or 'He doesn't have a bag.' It bothers the f--k out of me." Highlighting the importance of team basketball, James emphasized the need for players to make the right reads and instill confidence in their teammates rather than solely focusing on individual scoring opportunities. Photo: Instagram/LeBron James With a career spanning over two decades, LeBron James remains a dominant force in the league, boasting an impressive balance of scoring and playmaking abilities.  Despite being the NBA's all-time leading scorer , James emphasizes t...

Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick In a fiery exchange, JJ Redick criticizes Doc Rivers , accusing him of consistent excuse-making on a recent segment of First Take.  The war of words intensifies as Patrick Beverley , currently with the Milwaukee Bucks under Rivers, leaps to the coach's defense. The verbal duel spills onto social media as Redick and Beverley exchange barbs on X. Beverley, in a counterattack, questions Rivers' accountability and suggests a lineup change during their time with the Clippers. Photo: Instagram/JJ Redick Taking the debate to the podcast realm, Beverley persists, proposing a strategic substitution involving Jamal Crawford .  Redick swiftly responds, dismantling Beverley's argument with data from the 2015 series and highlighting flaws in his defensive strategy. . @jj_redick on Doc Rivers 😳 pic.twitter.com/JRgLD1rx74 — First Take (@FirstTake) February 20, 2024 Redick refutes Beverley's claim by unveiling defensive statistics from the 2015 series...

Photo: Instagram/Austin Rivers Austin Rivers passionately responded to JJ Redick's pointed criticism of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers in a recent exchange of words between former LA Clippers players. The dispute unfolded during a segment on ESPN's First Take, where Redick expressed frustration with what he perceived as Doc's tendency to make excuses and lack of accountability. Austin Rivers, Doc's son and a former teammate of Redick with the Clippers, didn't hold back in his rebuttal. During an NBA Today segment, he defended his father's accountability, asserting that Doc is consistently held responsible for the team's performance. Photo: Instagram/Austin Rivers Austin countered Redick's claims by referencing instances where Doc was let go, such as the 3-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets in the bubble and last year's playoff loss to the Celtics. The exchange took a personal turn as Austin Rivers shifted the focus to Redick's own perform...

Photo: Instagram/Doc Rivers Doc Rivers has been unceremoniously fired by the Philadelphia 76ers after their disappointing exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics . The team's collapse in the Eastern Conference semi-finals led to the decision to part ways with Rivers. Several potential candidates are being considered to replace him, including former 76er JJ Redick , as well as renowned coaches Mike Budenholzer , Nick Nurse , Frank Vogel , Mike D'Antoni , Monty Williams , and Sam Cassell . Philadelphia had initially shown promise in the playoffs, leading the series against Boston 3-2. However, they failed to maintain their advantage and suffered back-to-back losses, culminating in a humiliating 112-88 defeat in Game 7. Photo: Instagram/Doc Rivers has been dismissed by the Philadelphia 76ers, as per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. This loss marked the end of Rivers' tenure with the franchise. During the regular season, the 76ers performed well, finishing as ...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Damian Lillard , who has spent his entire career with the Portland Trail Blazers , is concerned about the current state of basketball discourse. In an era where players are judged based on how many championships they have won, Lillard has made it clear that he values the journey and pursuit of winning. He believes that fans are condensing players into simple counts of how many rings they have won, rather than appreciating their entire careers. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  During an appearance on JJ Redick 's Old Man and the Three podcast, Lillard expressed his worries about the NBA becoming a league that he no longer enjoys. He is a throwback player in a league that is no longer designed to accommodate players like him. Lillard is concerned about the league's fixation on winning championships at the expense of appreciating the journey and the regular season. The league and players' union are currently negotiating a new collective bargai...