JJ Redick is making waves in his second year as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's not just riding the bench. After a first-round playoff exit last season, Redick is laser-focused on elevating the team to new heights.
His impact hasn't gone unnoticed, with Stephen A. Smith dubbing him the “Coach of the Year.”
And there's a milestone on the horizon that could cement that acclaim. Just two more wins, and Redick will join an elite group-only the second coach in Lakers history and the fifth in NBA history to notch 50+ wins in each of his first two seasons.
That's a feat that speaks volumes about his leadership.
When Redick was named head coach in 2024, skeptics were quick to point out his lack of professional coaching experience. But he's been silencing those doubts with every game. His leadership has not only translated into wins but also fostered a cohesive locker room atmosphere, keeping players motivated and focused through the grueling NBA schedule.
In a pregame chat before the Lakers took on the Wizards, Redick didn't hold back his admiration for Luka Doncic, who was sitting out due to a suspension. “If we keep playing like this, he’s the MVP,” Redick remarked, highlighting Luka's peak fitness and performance.
While the ultimate goal remains a championship, Redick's journey so far is already proving his critics wrong, showing that sometimes the best moves are the ones that challenge the status quo.