NBA
“I really don’t give a fuck”: new LA Lakers coach Redick responds to critics
JJ Redick, who has been unveiled as the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach, says he isn’t bothered by doubts about his lack of experience.
JJ Redick issued a forthright, foul-mouthed response to his doubters as he was unveiled as the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach on Monday.
Rookie Redick handed reins at NBA giant
Redick, who has never previously coached in the NBA, has been appointed as the Lakers’ new boss on a four-year contract, taking over from Darvin Ham at the historic franchise. Ham was fired by the Californians in May, after the 17-time NBA champions were eliminated in the first round of the 2023/24 postseason.
The Lakers’ decision to hire the inexperienced Redick, a former NBA player who had become a prominent broadcaster and podcaster following his retirement in 2021, has attracted criticism. However, the 40-year-old says he won’t be focused on trying to dispel any misconceptions about his coaching abilities.
What did Redick say about criticism?
“I’ve certainly heard everything,” Redick said during his presentation by the Lakers, as he discussed the backlash to his appointment. “It’s been a really interesting six weeks or so, just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry. You know, it’s been really interesting.
“However, I don’t really have a great answer for your question, because I really don’t give a fuck. 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 maximise their careers. That’s all I fucking care about.”
Watch Redick fire back at his critics:
“I would argue I’m very inexperienced”
Redick also insisted that his long career on the basketball court, as a player in both the college game and the NBA, has provided him with a platform for success as Lakers coach.
“I have zero coaching experience in the NBA,” he said, “but I would argue that I’m very experienced and it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke and I got to play for Coach K [Mike Krzyzewski] for four years, [and then I] spent 15 years as a player [in the NBA].”