Lakers Struggle Under Redick as Martin Questions Coach’s Authority
In their second season under head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads. After a promising 15-4 start, the team has fallen into inconsistent play, culminating in a humiliating 119-96 Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets. The defeat, marking their third consecutive loss, prompted a frustrated Redick to publicly question his team’s commitment. “We don’t care enough right now,” Redick stated bluntly after the game. “And that’s the part that bothers you a lot. We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don’t care enough to be a professional.” These words revealed the growing tension within a team that entered the season with championship aspirations but now faces serious questions about their competitive fire.
The public callout by Redick sparked an immediate and pointed response from former NBA player Kenyon Martin, who criticized Redick’s coaching approach on “Gil’s Arena.” Martin mockingly questioned Redick’s methods, saying, “So, he said the words of the day are what? Is this the f—–g kindergarten classroom where you put words of the day on the f—–g board? What are we talking about here?” Martin’s criticism hit at the heart of what he sees as a fundamental disconnect between Redick’s coaching style and the realities of managing professional athletes. “‘The words of the day are effort and execute.’ I saw that when I used to drop my son off at school in kindergarten two years ago,” Martin continued, suggesting that such techniques might be inappropriate for high-paid professional athletes who expect to be treated as adults.
Perhaps the most damning aspect of Martin’s critique was his assessment of the Lakers’ locker room dynamics. “JJ, I don’t know if you know this or not, bro. Them dudes don’t respect you. You are their peer,” Martin stated candidly. This observation strikes at a common challenge for recently retired players who transition directly to coaching without the traditional climb through assistant positions. Having last played in the NBA in 2021 with the Dallas Mavericks, Redick remains close in age and experience to many current players, potentially undermining his authority. The situation appears particularly complicated by Redick’s relationship with LeBron James, whom Martin suggests is viewed as the team’s true leader despite Redick’s title.
Martin didn’t hold back in addressing what he sees as the root of the problem: “And the main (culprit) is the guy who you just had got the podcast with. That helped get you the job, man. Let’s call a spade a spade.” This direct reference to LeBron James highlights the widely discussed dynamic that James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time champion, holds significant influence within the organization. Martin implies that Redick’s hiring was influenced by his relationship with James, including their podcast collaboration, rather than traditional coaching credentials. This perception could naturally undermine Redick’s authority in a locker room where James’s voice carries tremendous weight based on his accomplishments and status.
The situation presents a classic challenge in professional sports: how does a relatively inexperienced coach assert authority over players who may view themselves as equals or, in some cases, superiors? Martin suggests that a truly respected coach would see immediate improvements after addressing issues: “If you addressed it once, if they respect you, they’ll go out of their way to try to change it because you’re a new voice in there.” The fact that the Lakers continue to struggle with effort and execution, in Martin’s view, speaks volumes about the team’s perception of their coach. Martin did acknowledge Redick’s playing career, noting, “You played hard every time you stepped on the floor. People respected that about you,” but implied that this respect hasn’t transferred to his coaching role.
As the Lakers navigate this challenging stretch, Redick has promised to make their practice “uncomfortable” ahead of their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings. This approach signals his determination to reassert control over a team that appears to be drifting. The coming weeks will be crucial for both Redick and the Lakers organization as they determine whether this early-season turbulence represents merely growing pains for a new coach or a fundamental mismatch between leadership style and team culture. With stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis not getting any younger, the pressure to maximize their championship window remains intense. How Redick navigates these choppy waters will likely determine not only the Lakers’ fortunes this season but also his own future as an NBA head coach.
