JJ Redick fires back at critics

After weeks — if not months — of speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced JJ Redick as their new head coach on Monday.

But while the former NBA shooting guard remained focused on his former role of being ESPN’s lead analyst for the NBA Finals, he was also well aware of the criticism that’s been attached to his name in the lead up to the Lakers hiring him.

At his introductory press conference on Monday, Redick was asked which misconceptions about himself he’s excited to dispel. And although he admitted he’s well aware of what’s been said about him, the 40-year-old insisted he isn’t in a rush to prove such narratives wrong.

“It’s a valid question and I’ve certainly heard everything,” Redick said. “It’s been a really interesting six weeks or so just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry. It’s been really interesting. However, I really don’t have a great answer for your question because I really don’t give a f***. Like, honestly.

“I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don’t want to dispel anything. I don’t. I want to become a great coach in the NBA. And I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That’s all I f***ing care about.”

JJ Redick was asked what misconceptions about himself he’s looking forward to dispelling as the Lakers head coach:

“It’s a valid question and I’ve certainly heard everything. It’s been a really interesting six weeks or so just in terms of being part of the engagement farming… pic.twitter.com/PZkXJb3Qo9

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 24, 2024

The criticism aimed at Redick has largely centered on his lack of NBA coaching experience and the belief — true or not — that his candidacy was bolstered by hosting the Mind the Game podcast with LeBron James. For his part, the former Duke star addressed such skepticism head on, and also revealed that the start of his Lakers tenure also means the end of his podcasting career.

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