The start to JJ Redick’s tenure as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is up to a promising start.
At the Lakers training camp, Redick was asked if he thought forward Rui Hachimura was ready to take the next step. Instead of sounding like someone new to the job, Redick gave the sort of response one might expect from a seasoned coach.
“You tell me, you’re creating the narrative… IDC about the next step, I care about how he impacts winning,” Redick told the reporter, clearly not falling for the bait.
JJ Redick answered the Rui question beautifully.
Reporter: Do you think Rui could take that next step for you guys?
JJ: what is the next step?
Reporter: you tell me?
JJ: you tell me, you're creating the narrative… IDC about next step, I care about how he impacts winning. pic.twitter.com/sgr6WX5mXQ
— Devin. (@DevDock) October 3, 2024
Fans online took to social media to weigh in on the savvy response.
“I’m surprised Brad Turner asked that, people can be critical of his coaching all day but this stuff was literally what he was talking about on his pods. These reporters will learn the hard way with Redick. Asking a question trying to create something off his response not it,” one fan said on Twitter.
“It’s in my blood to hate the Lakers but I just can’t hate JJ, he’s going to make the lakers a force this season,” someone else said.
“This guy gets it. Lakers got the right one,” a fan wrote.
“I’m liking JJ already,” another person added.
It’s clear Redick’s past in the media has him ready to field any questions. It’ll be interesting to see if he can be as successful when games start.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.