JJ Redick Addresses Past Comments About Lakers Head Coaching Job

New Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently addressed his past comments about the Lakers head coaching job not being a good position during an appearance on Sirius XM Radio.

"I did not address it with Rob. We didn't feel the need to address it," Redick said, referring to Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka. "Look, I think when you think about certain jobs, you have to look at the life cycle of the team."

"And I think there's a component to my comments about what actually is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Same with Derek Fisher. What does it mean to be the head coach of the New York Knicks, for Joe Mazzula, what does it mean to be the head coach of the Boston Celtics? Those jobs are different than any other job in this league. And there's an inherent pressure regardless of where that life cycle is."

"I want that challenge. I'm not going to run from that challenge," Redick continued. "You certainly have to look at what I think is actually a very good roster, a very balanced roster. We'd love, you know, we tried, but we'd love to at some point get another five-man, you know, a big bruising five-man."

"You look at the Western Conference right now, whether it's Denver, Minnesota, OKC, what they added, certainly Memphis, they're gonna be back in the hunt. They added Zach Edey. You're gonna need, in certain matchups in the playoffs, you're gonna need a lot of size."

Redick's remarks were made in 2022 , following the firing of Frank Vogel after the Lakers missed the playoffs. At the time, Redick expressed doubts about the desirability of the Lakers' coaching job, given the team's inconsistent approach to team-building. His comments reflected concerns about the challenges and pressures inherent in leading a high-profile franchise like the Lakers.

Redick's candid assessment highlights the importance of roster construction and organizational alignment in coaching positions. His insights underscore the complexities coaches face when considering high-pressure roles, especially in markets like Los Angeles. The Lakers, on the verge of a new chapter with significant roster investments, must navigate these dynamics carefully.

As Redick takes on the challenge of leading the Lakers, his past comments and current outlook provide valuable context for understanding the pressures and expectations that come with the job. The Lakers' front office and fan base will be closely watching how Redick's coaching philosophy meshes with the team's vision as they strive for a return to championship contention.

How Different Is The Lakers Roster Right Now When Compared To 2022?

The Los Angeles Lakers roster has undergone a significant transformation since 2022. Back then, the Lakers boasted the oldest squad in the league, featuring veterans like Carmelo Anthony , Dwight Howard , DeAndre Jordan , LeBron James , and Russell Westbrook .

This lineup, while experienced, faced numerous challenges, including fit issues, particularly with Westbrook's playing style clashing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The team's advanced age led to frequent injuries and inconsistent performance, compounded by poor shooting abilities that hampered their offensive efficiency.

Fast forward to the present, and the Lakers have made substantial changes to their roster. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstones of the team, they are now surrounded by a younger, more athletic group of players. The infusion of youth comes from talents like Austin Reaves , Rui Hachimura , Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxon Hayes, and D'Angelo Russell .

This new squad is characterized by its diversity and improved spacing, offering a more balanced approach to the game. The younger players bring a level of energy and athleticism that was sorely missing in 2022. Despite these improvements, the current Lakers roster still faces significant challenges in their quest for a title. The team has struggled to attract high-profile free agents, striking out on several attempts to land big names.

As a result, they are largely running back with much of last year's squad, relying on internal development and potential mid-season trades to bolster their chances. While the team has better spacing and decent shooters compared to the poor shooting lineup of 2022, they still lack the elite shooting and depth needed to compete at the highest level.

In summary, the Lakers' roster has evolved from being the oldest and most injury-prone team in 2022 to a younger, more athletic, and diverse unit in 2024. The addition of players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarrred Vanderbilt provides a much-needed injection of youth and versatility.

However, the team remains a work in progress, with their title aspirations hinging on the development of their young talent and the successful execution of future trades to address their remaining weaknesses. This transformation highlights a shift towards building a more sustainable and competitive team for the long haul, even if they are not yet ready to contend for a championship.

Related: JJ Redick Takes A Shot At Darvin Ham, Says The Lakers Were Running A "Random" Offense

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