JJ Redick Says Lakers Fans’ Intensity Shows How Much They Care
jj-redick-says-lakers-fans-intensity-shows-how-much-they-care
Los Angeles — Oct. 22, 2024: First-year Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he values the high expectations and vocal feedback he has encountered from the team’s supporters during the opening week of the season.
Speaking after the Lakers’ 112-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena, Redick acknowledged the frustration that followed an Opening Night loss to the Golden State Warriors but insisted the scrutiny is a sign of commitment from the fan base.
“I have great respect for fan bases that care,” Redick told reporters. “I’ve already been warned by the NBA I’m not allowed to use cuss words in here, but I like fan bases that give a s—. They care. And so I appreciate it.”
The former 15-year NBA guard said he experienced a similar atmosphere during his playing days in Philadelphia and now considers it “an honor” to coach a franchise with a championship-or-bust mentality. “I’m well aware the angst exists, and there’s an overreaction to everything,” he added. “But it didn’t change or affect me or the group at all in terms of our preparation for this game.”
Redick, hired in June after Los Angeles reached the 2024 NBA Finals with Luka Dončić, emphasized that the Lakers face “a really tough stretch” with four games over the next week. He called Friday’s win over Minnesota — a team that eliminated Los Angeles in last season’s playoffs — a potential early-season reference point. “We’ve got to continue to build, continue to work,” he said.
The Lakers improved to 1-1 with the win, showing sharper ball movement and more cohesive defense against the Timberwolves. Redick noted that each game in the 82-game schedule “carries different baggage,” underscoring the need for stability as the team navigates the season’s ups and downs.
Source: LakersNation.com
