JJ Redick Voices Frustration Over Officiating After Lakers’ Game 2 Loss to Thunder
jj-redick-criticizes-officiating-after-lakers-game-2-loss
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick questioned the officiating after his team’s 124-118 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 7, 2026 at Paycom Center.
“I sarcastically said the other day they were the most disruptive team without fouling,” Redick told reporters. “They have a few guys that foul on every possession, and all of the good defenses do.” Redick pointed to sequences where, in his view, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew minimal contact for fouls while Lakers players “got absolutely clobbered” without whistles. He also cited an attempted entry pass to Jaxson Hayes that became a turnover when Thunder forward Jaylin Williams “was grabbing his jersey with both arms.”
Physical plays involving LeBron James went uncalled throughout the night, further fueling the Lakers’ frustration. Even so, Redick praised his roster for maintaining composure. “Our guys were so good tonight just staying together and poised,” he said, adding that Oklahoma City’s calm demeanor may influence how games are called. “They’ve really taken the emotion out of the game and they’re super tight, they don’t complain to the officials. Maybe they’re beneficiaries of that, I don’t know.”
Despite the officiating concerns, Redick made it clear the referees were not responsible for the loss. “We didn’t lose because of the refs,” he said. “You lose because the other team outplays you. OKC outplayed us.”
The Lakers head back to Crypto.com Arena trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series and must win four of the next five contests to stay alive. They will attempt to climb back into the matchup without injured star Luka Dončić when Game 3 tips off Saturday in Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
