Rumors of JJ Redick’s firing emerged after he abruptly left a press conference before Game 5 of the first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, reacting to a reporter’s question that he found offensive.
JJ Redick suddenly left a press conference before Game 5 of the Lakers’ playoff series against the Timberwolves on April 30, 2025, triggered by a reporter’s question that he found offensive.
The Lakers, trailing 3-1 after a 116-113 loss in Game 4, were facing a must-win game, when the reporter questioned him about his coaching decisions, particularly regarding Game 4’s lack of substitutions.
The incident stemmed from a question about Redick’s choice to stick with a single lineup consisting of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith for the entire second half of Game 4.
The reporter asked about Redick’s thought process behind the decision and whether he would seek substitution advice from assistant coaches in Game 5.
The question offended the first-time coach as he interpreted it as a joke at his inexperience. The reporter asked:
As you watch the film, what do you recall about your thought process in the moment, sticking with the five you stuck with in the fourth quarter the other day, and is there an assistant or someone that maybe you will lean on tonight maybe to try to get some other guys involved if that opportunity presents itself.
Offended, Redick interrupted, saying:
Are you saying that because I’m inexperienced and that was an inexperienced decision I made? You think I don’t talk to my assistants about substitutions every single timeout?
The reporter clarified that many coaches rely on assistants in such situations, to which Redick replied, “As do I, every single time. That’s a weird assumption,” before abruptly leaving the podium.
JJ Redick’s Future With The Lakers In Questioned Amid Unverified Firing Rumors!
There are no reports confirming that JJ Redick has been fired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he is facing heavy criticism for his coaching decisions during the team’s playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Redick’s decision to keep the same five players on the court for the entire second half of Game 4, despite fatigue concerns, led to backlash from fans and analysts.
The Lakers maintained a single-digit lead for much of the second half but faltered late, with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards erupting for 43 points.
Only Gabe Vincent played more than seven minutes off the bench, raising concerns about fatigue and the team’s depth behind stars James and Dončić.
The Lakers ultimately lost the game, and Redick’s handling of substitutions became a major talking point.
Before Game 5, he abruptly ended a press conference after being questioned about his reliance on assistant coaches for rotation decisions.
With the Lakers eliminated from the playoffs, speculation about Redick’s future with the team is growing. Some fans are calling for his dismissal, but as of now, there is no official confirmation that he has been fired.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- JJ Redick is married to Chelsea Kilgore, a Pilates instructor and fitness expert.
- He was known for his exceptional three-point shooting during his 15-season NBA career. He played for teams like the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans before retiring in 2021.
- JJ Redick played for Duke University and set multiple records, including becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Blue Devils.
