Since JJ Redick took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2024, many questioned whether the former player-turned-coach was ready for such a big challenge. But as the season unfolds, Redick and the Lakers are proving the doubters wrong.
Los Angeles’ win over the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 22 sent a strong message that Redick’s strategies are working, and the Lakers are poised to make a strong claim for the playoffs. Redick’s side didn’t hold back as they ended the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak in impressive fashion. Luka Dončić, who had struggled to find his rhythm since joining the Lakers’ roster, finally exploded with a 32-point performance.
The victory even got ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith praising the head coach.
Stephen A. Smith Backs JJ Redick for NBA Coach of the Year
Smith, sharing his thoughts on “NBA on ESPN,” admitted he underestimated Redick’s impact. He acknowledged his shock at the unprecedented victory of the Lakers over the Nuggets.
“I was shocked. Let me be the first to apologize to the Los Angeles Lakers. I did not see them being capable of that,” Smith said.
“I got news for y’all, the Lakers, an NBA best… since January 15. The Denver Nuggets came into the game on a winning streak, averaging 128 points, and got held to 100. So they can play defense as well.”
"If that Los Angeles Lakers team shows up in the postseason, look the hell out."@stephenasmith thinks JJ Redick is a candidate for Coach of the Year 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/qhVsp6lOwp
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 23, 2025
Likewise, Smith praised the Lakers’ defense and acknowledged Redick’s rapid rise among elite coaches.
“JJ Redick is a candidate for Coach of the Year. He is just doing a hell of a job, and Big Perk [Kendrick Perkins] enlightened me about how brilliant they are offensively compared to what they were last year. Defensively, not so much, but that wasn’t the case last night.”
The Lakers are now fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 34-21 record. They have an intense March schedule ahead, with matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 13 before traveling to Denver for another game on the following day.
Likewise, LA will host the Phoenix Suns on March 16, followed by the San Antonio Spurs on the 17th. Then, the Lakers will play two more games against the Nuggets and the Bucks on March 19 and 20, respectively.
The Lakers’ recent performance against the Nuggets reinforced their strong playoff case. As they head into their March stretch, they’ll be among the favorites — potentially boosting Redick’s chances for the NBA Coach of the Year title.
