JJ Redick snatches game-time from D’Angelo Russell for ‘reverting to certain habits’ in Grizzlies loss
Lakers head coach JJ Redick shares an intriguing take on his star player D'Angelo Russell after loss against the Grizzlies.
JJ Redick and D'Angelo Russell
The Los Angeles Lakers made a promising start to their 2024-25 NBA campaign. However, over their last few matchups, their intensity has not been the same. In their most recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, the Lakers lost due to some players not stepping up. One of them was Lakers star, D’Angelo Russell.
After 22 minutes of play, Russell finished with 12 points, three assists, and one rebound, indicating a poor effort. Russell was benched for the remainder of the game after playing just six minutes in the third quarter.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained the reason behind benching Russell in the post-game interview.
JJ on D'Angelo:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) November 7, 2024
"Level of compete, attention to detail, some of the things we've talked with him about for a couple of weeks. At times, he's been really good with that stuff and other times it's just reverting back to certain habits. It wasn't like a punishment" pic.twitter.com/rhHr4L42fS
Redick was not fully sold on Russell’s performance, limiting his game-time against the Grizzlies. He closed his postgame news conference with a mic drop of disgust following the Lakers’ 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Redick appeared unhappy and irritated with his team’s performance.
It’s important to note that the Lakers were missing important players like Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura due to injury. In the team’s last game against the Pistons, Davis seemed to injure his ankle. It appears that AD has been coping with the ailment since the summer. After initially being listed as doubtful to play against Memphis, Hachimura was then changed to questionable, but ultimately, was left off the roster.
JJ Redick previously assured D’Angelo Russell to have a ‘career year’ with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been performing well under the coaching of JJ Redick. Even so, the Lakers have been included in several trade speculations. But Redick has so far disproved all of the skeptics and rumors. Due to his expiring salary, D’Angelo Russell, who is earning $18.6 million this season, has been mentioned as a trade chip.
Russell’s season is off to an average start as he has been shooting less than 30% from three-point range. He averages just 12.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. The Lakers are trying to get the most out of him or trade him. This is because they can’t win with average play and be contenders. However, Redick assured Russell, as per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, that he will have a ‘career year’ with the Lakers this season.
JJ Redick says he has spoken to D'Angelo Russell probably more than any other Lakers player since he got the job and his message to the guard has been: "Let's put you in position to have a career year"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 25, 2024
As per McMenamin, Redick stated that he had ‘spoken’ to D’Angelo Russell probably more than any other Lakers player since he got the job. However, things have not been going according to plan for Russell. He has been delivering poor performances and this time have been limited by Redick.
Kartik Mudaliar
(796 Articles Published)