Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick seemingly took a shot at the team’s roster following the team’s 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
Redick suggested that some Lakers players were pressing, particularly on offense, and trying to do too much at times. One reason for that, in his view, is that a lot of the team’s players are playing for their futures.
“Guys are worried about their futures. That’s what happens when you’ve got a team full of free agents and player options,” Redick said. “It’s just natural that you’re going to worry about the offense. I’ve been there. It can get in your head a little bit. ‘Ah, I’ve played five minutes, haven’t hit a shot yet.’ That’s a human thing. It’s not anybody’s fault.”
JJ Redick: “Trust the pass, and you know that starts with Luka. He’s gonna have the ball the most of everyone. He’s gotta trust the pass… guys are worried about their futures, and that’s what happens when you’ve got a team full of free agents and player options.” pic.twitter.com/CqjfGC262z
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 23, 2026
This could be viewed as a shot at how GM Rob Pelinka has built the Lakers, though Redick likely does not intend it as such. The team’s win-now mentality leads to them signing a lot of experienced veterans to short-term deals in order to maximize the chances of immediate success.
The likes of Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura are due to become free agents this offseason. LeBron James is as well, though his job security is not exactly a concern.
After a bright start to the season, the Lakers are now 26-17, and there are legitimate questions about whether they have a roster constructed to a championship standard. Luka Doncic and James will always give them a chance, but in Redick’s eyes, this is yet another issue they have to deal with. It won’t stop them from aggressively trying to improve, though.
