JJ Redick and his attempt to explain the Los Angeles Lakers recent struggles has sparked sharp criticism, with some interpreting his words as subtly shifting blame toward LeBron James.
JJ Redick acknowledged that the teams offensive flow has dipped since James returned to the lineup in late November, speaking after a practice session on Saturday.
While Redick framed the issue as a coaching failure, the timing and wording immediately drew attention.
Since weve gotten Bron back, we havent been as organized offensively, Redick said. Too many random possessions. Thats on me. Its those three things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.
Not everyone bought that explanation.
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe reacted forcefully, rejecting the idea that schematic tweaks were the Lakers core issue, speaking on his Nightcap podcast.
Stop it! Sharpe said. We dont need no defensive clarity. You dont have anyone who can play defense, other than Marcus Smart. Its crystal clear to me that you cant play defense.
He added,Listen, I think JJ is phenomenal. He understands basketball and can talk about it. But at the end of the day, like he was criticizing Doc, at some point of time, stop telling us what you need to do and get it done.Bro, were 30 games in, and youre still talking about role clarity and defensive clarity? I aint trying to hear that. Get it done!
The scrutiny has not stopped there.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins recently suggested Redick risks alienating his locker room by repeatedly directing criticism outward.
Its always everybody elses fault but not JJ Redicks, Perkins said. Thats a problem for me.
Tension reportedly escalated following the Lakers Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets. Redick openly challenged his players defensive effort, hinting that the issues were coming from the same individuals.
Its a matter of making the choice, and too often we have guys dont wanna make that choice [of playing defense]. And its pretty consistent who those guys are, Redick said.
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