The Los Angeles Clippers made headlines this month with a high-profile roster move, parting ways with veteran point guard Chris Paul - a decision that’s drawn plenty of attention around the league. While opinions vary, one voice that stood out came from across town: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who didn’t hold back when asked about the situation following a recent loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome.
Redick, speaking in his postgame press conference, appeared to take a subtle jab at Clippers head coach Ty Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy while discussing defensive flexibility. “You got to give the better defensive players some level of leeway. Probably shouldn’t use that word here…” Redick said, with a smirk that suggested there was more behind the comment than he was letting on.
That “leeway” reference wasn’t random. It pointed directly to a recent incident during the Clippers’ 114-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
During that game, Chris Paul - known for his high basketball IQ and vocal leadership - reportedly instructed Kawhi Leonard to switch onto Klay Thompson defensively. That sideline direction didn’t sit well with Van Gundy, who confronted Paul about overstepping his role.
Paul, never one to back down, responded after the game by posting the dictionary definition of “leeway” on his Instagram story. It was a not-so-subtle clapback that underscored the tension within the Clippers' coaching dynamic.
Not long after that exchange, the Clippers made the decision to move on from Paul - a move that continues to spark debate around whether the team mishandled a veteran leader who still has plenty to offer on the court and in the locker room.
Meanwhile, the Lakers had their own issues to deal with on the hardwood. In their matchup against the Clippers, they struggled to find rhythm - even after Luka Dončić exited just 20 minutes into the game due to injury.
With Dončić sidelined, LeBron James tried to carry the load, putting up 36 points along with three assists and four rebounds. Jake LaRavia also stepped up, delivering a double-double with 12 points, six assists, and 11 rebounds - a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night.
But despite the efforts, the Lakers couldn’t close the gap. They fell 103-88, a tough loss in a game that looked winnable once Dončić went down.
After the game, Redick’s frustrations weren’t limited to his own team’s performance. He turned his attention to the officiating, voicing concerns that many coaches and players have quietly echoed for years.
“The consistency needs to be addressed,” Redick said. “I keep asking the league to please reach out to me and respond.
I don’t get any response from the league. Nobody ever reaches out to me.
The definitions just get changed every single night.”
It was a pointed critique of how games are being called - and a call for clarity in a league where interpretation often seems to shift from one night to the next.
Despite the loss, the Lakers remain in a strong position in the Western Conference, sitting fourth with a 19-8 record. Their next test comes against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena - and with Redick clearly fired up, don’t be surprised if the Lakers come out with a little extra edge.