"Bench LeBron, Trade Gabe Vincent" - JJ Redick Slammed by Fans After Murky Response on Jarred Vanderbilt's Rotation Spot as Lakers’ Defense Spirals

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics - Source: Imagn
Fans were unhappy with JJ Redick's response to solving the Lakers' defensive lapses (Image Source: IMAGN)

JJ Redick couldn't deny the LA Lakers' poor defense against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The Lakers have a chance to advance to the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals. However, the Spurs exposed their defensive lapses, handing LA a 132-119 loss.

Ad

The media asked the Lakers how they would address the issue at their team practice on Friday. Given that they have Jarred Vanderbilt on the roster, the defensive forward was brought up. However, Redick said that he has faith in the nine players he has consistently played throughout the 2025-26 season.

“We’re looking at it, but again, I have a belief in the nine guys we’ve been playing, I have a belief in the rotation,” Redick said.
Ad

A reporter asked the head coach if Vanderbilt will get a chance to be part of the rotation if the Lakers' defense doesn't improve. Redick said this:

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

“If this continues, he’ll definitely get his opportunities.”
Ad

Unfortunately for JJ Redick, his response wasn't accepted by the fans. As fans looked for answers to the Lakers' defensive shortcomings, they attacked the coach on X (previously Twitter).

"Bench LeBron!" a fan said.
Ad
"TRADE GABE VINCENT," another fan suggested.
"If Rui starts on Sunday I’ll be taking my talents to pistons FC✌🏾" one fan commented.

More fans called Redick out for his coaching.

"I never met a more stubborn coach then this dude," someone commented.
Ad
"You can’t start Bron AR Luka and Rui and expect the defense to be good," a comment read.
"I’m truly starting to dislike this mf more than Darvin Ham man, what a waste of a coach. Either make Rui or Reaves come off bench and take Gabe completely out the rotation and cut Laravia minutes. Adou, Nick smith, and Vando needs to play @jj_redick," a fan demanded.
Ad

JJ Redick noticed a pattern in their recent losses against the Spurs and Suns

JJ Redick has made the LA Lakers into one of the toughest teams to guard in the pick-and-roll. With Luka Doncic's elite ball-handling skills and passing vision, teams often get lost on defense. However, Redick noted that the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns used the pick-and-roll to their advantage.

Ad

According to NBA reporter Mike Trudell, the coach noticed how the Spurs and Suns don't blitz Doncic. Rather, they allow one defender to stay committed in front of the Slovenian star. The big man, on the other hand, usually stays with the opposing big or inside the paint.

This forces Doncic, or whoever's handling the ball, to force a contested long two-pointer. Countering this action has been a tough action to stop for JJ Redick and the Lakers. Aside from the defensive errors, they haven't found a way to counter teams that avoid blitzing the pick-and-roll.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Reign Amurao
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications