JJ Redick withdrew from press conference after reporters ask the Lakers lack a fourth game replacement

Questions about how he handled the second half of Game 4 seemed like a painful place for Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick.

The first-year coach withdrew from the press conference on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a reporter asked about his team’s lack of substitution on Sunday, a 116-113 Lakers’ loss, which dropped Redick’s team by 3-1.

advertise

Redick caught the brows of Game 4 in Game 4 throughout the second half. Only another player, Gabe Vincent, played for more than seven minutes in the game. Los Angeles maintained the unit's lead for most of the second half, but faltered when Anthony Edwards raised the total score to 43 points.

The reporter at the press conference specifically asked Redick if he would consult with an assistant coach on the alternative.

Complete exchange:

Reporter: "When you watch a movie, what do you think about the current thinking process, stick to the five you insisted on in the fourth quarter of the previous few days, and have assistants or someone, maybe you will depend on you tonight, maybe you will rely on other opportunities if someone with the chance is involved-"

Redick: “You mean it’s because I have no experience, that’s an inexperienced decision I made?

Reporter: "No, I think a lot of coaches rely on their assistants in these situations."

Redick: "Like me, every time (pause). It's a strange assumption."

advertise

Whether Redick consulted with his assistant in Game 4 or not, the lack of alternatives provided simple conversation feed after the game, both concerns about the Lakers’ fatigue and their lack of depth behind the two superstars of James and Donne.

Charles Barkley is part of numerous loopholes in the Lakers’ 4th and 5th Games, and Redick’s reaction may not help the franchise’s image, even in Game 5.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - April 25: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacted to the Timberwolves, Minnesota, in the third quarter of the third round of the 2025 NBA playoffs in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 25, 2025. The Timberwolves beat the Lakers 116-104 to lead 2-1. Note to the User: The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and using this photo, the User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images license agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) — JJ Redick and the Lakers leaned against the wall. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
(David Berding by Getty Images)

Redick was his first season as Lakers head coach, his first paid coaching job in basketball. Between his career and the end of the game in 2021 and his introduction with the Lakers, he has been involved in basketball including podcasts, analyzing ESPN games and coaching his son’s youth basketball team.

Despite concerns about Redick's lack of experience, his first season improved three wins against the Lakers. The season also faces a significant personal challenge for Redick, who burned rental homes in a wildfire that rocked Los Angeles in January.