JJ Redick explodes: “We’re under a lot of pressure”
The Lakers coach expressed his anger in a press conference and singled out two players in particular: Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to identify “nine players who are fully committed” and “willing to give everything” as the regular season winds down, head coach JJ Redick said after Tuesday night’s blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123–87.
With several stars sidelined—including Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James—Redick emphasized that the final stretch of games is crucial for determining who can be trusted when it matters most.
“It’s a great opportunity for us over the next three games to find those players,” Redick told reporters after the loss.
Despite the lopsided score, Redick said the team played with real energy for the first 18 minutes, even with the major absences. “The guys fought hard and competed. We’re under pressure right now, and it’s important that everyone tries to play well and play for the team,” he added.
Praise for Timme, criticism for Hachimura
Redick highlighted the strong start from Drew Timme, saying the young forward was “great” early in the game. But he didn’t hold back when discussing Rui Hachimura, who despite finishing as the Lakers’ leading scorer, was benched.
“He didn’t do his job,” Redick said bluntly, explaining why he pulled Hachimura from the game.
On the heated exchange with Vanderbilt
Redick also addressed a tense moment on the bench with Jarred Vanderbilt, with whom he had a heated exchange during the second half.
“It was just a combination of several things,” Redick explained. “Again, nothing personal. It’s normal for me.”
He stressed that with the roster depleted, unity is non‑negotiable.
“When you’re short on players and fighting tooth and nail, everyone has to be on the same page. We have to be great teammates.”
With injuries piling up and the postseason approaching, Redick made it clear: the Lakers’ margin for error is gone, and only the players who buy in completely will be part of the plan moving forward.
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