The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season concluded with a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, resulting in their elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Following this defeat, Lakers head coach JJ Redick is facing increased scrutiny, particularly in light of comments from Brian Windhorst regarding Redick’s conduct during the series.
Throughout the series, Redick’s coaching decisions drew attention. In Game 4, he opted to play his starting lineup for the entire second half, a strategy that did not prove successful. Then, in the decisive Game 5, he turned to Maxi Kleber, who had not played for the Lakers since being acquired in the Luka Doncic trade. Redick also garnered attention for abruptly leaving his pregame press conference before Game 5.
Los Angeles Lakers Coach Blasted: “Immature”
Windhorst, on “Get Up,” characterized Redick’s behavior as “immature,” citing a claim by Reggie Miller that he had to intervene to calm the Lakers’ head coach during a pregame production meeting. “JJ Redick coached very immaturely in this series,” Windhorst stated. “He was still seething and upset about the previous games to the point where Reggie Miller said on the broadcast last night he had to try to calm him down in the pregame meeting because JJ was acting, frankly, childishly.”
As the series progressed, Redick’s search for solutions for the Lakers became increasingly evident. However, many of his key decisions did not yield positive results. Coupled with his tense interactions with the media prior to Game 5, these factors have contributed to the current evaluation of his performance.
While Redick’s first season as head coach of Los Angeles included some positive aspects, this playoff exit presents a significant challenge. The Lakers now enter the offseason with numerous questions surrounding the team’s direction. Redick’s ability to learn from this experience will be closely observed, as it could ultimately influence the organization’s long-term confidence in his leadership and his capacity to guide the team to a championship.