Lakers Coach JJ Redick Responds to Charles Barkley’s Rant: “Literally Don’t Care”
The latest NBA feud is heating up between TNT commentator Charles Barkley and Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Following Barkley’s fiery comments about Redick’s criticism of NBA broadcasts, Redick fired back with a remarkably calm response, making it clear that he has no interest in the drama.
Redick’s Response to Barkley’s Rant
In the aftermath of Barkley’s rant, Redick addressed the situation in a casual yet dismissive manner. “I got a random text from somebody after the game. I went to look at my phone and it says something about Charles Barkley. I’m like, ‘Huh?'” Redick shared. “But [Lakers assistant coaches Greg St. Jean and Beau Levesque] showed me. I didn’t make it all the way through the clip, I gotta be honest with you. My resting heart rate is 64. I watched the clip, it was 64. Literally don’t care. I have other thoughts, but don’t care.”
Barkley’s comments were in response to Redick’s remarks about NBA broadcasts, where he stated, “If I’m a casual fan and you tell me every time I turn on the television that the product sucks, well, I’m not going to watch the product.” This sparked a heated retort from Barkley, who criticized Redick’s coaching abilities, job security, and the Lakers’ performance.
Barkley Takes Aim at Redick’s Coaching Philosophy
In a heated exchange, Barkley didn’t hold back, going after Redick’s coaching philosophy and the Lakers’ situation. “Redick said something about we’re the reason people ain’t watching this crappy product we got… yeah, us, like we’re out there jacking up 100 threes a night,” Barkley began. He continued, “JJ, you come for the king, you better not miss. Because I can get you, brother. Remember, I got your Lakers games. You can’t hide them flaws they got.”
Barkley then escalated, comparing Redick’s coaching style to putting makeup on a pig. “The Lakers stink, man. Come on, man,” Barkley said. The veteran commentator has a reputation for using strong language and getting involved in media feuds, something Redick, in his first year as an NBA head coach, is now experiencing firsthand.
The Lakers’ Current Position: A Work in Progress
While the Lakers have faced some struggles early in the season, their performance has improved. With a 119-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the team has won seven of its last nine games, improving to a 19-14 record, which ties them for fourth place in the Western Conference.
Redick, who spent three years with ESPN before taking on his first head coaching job, faces challenges beyond the court. His relationship with LeBron James and his previous career in the media have made him an easy target for critics, especially when the Lakers’ performance isn’t up to par.
Looking Ahead: Will the Lakers Rise or Fall?
As the Lakers continue their season, Redick’s position as head coach will likely remain under scrutiny. With Barkley and others questioning his ability to lead the team, Redick will need to prove himself, both in terms of his coaching decisions and his ability to handle media pressure.
Whether the Lakers can overcome these challenges and prove their worth remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: JJ Redick is not bothered by Barkley’s words, and he’s focused on the task at hand, regardless of the noise from the outside.
Conclusion
The feud between JJ Redick and Charles Barkley is just the latest drama in the world of NBA media, but Redick’s response shows a level of maturity and detachment from the personal attacks. As the Lakers aim to build momentum in the Western Conference, Redick’s focus will be on leading his team, not on the media battles surrounding him.
