The Los Angeles Lakers have seen their fair share of coaching changes, but this time it feels different. Enter JJ Redick, the former sharpshooter turned podcaster, who now finds himself under the brightest spotlight as the head coach of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. Less than 10 games into his first season, Redick’s already made headlines – but not for his play-calling prowess. Instead, it’s his latest postgame antics that have people talking.

Wednesday night, after a tough 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick left the media room with a mic-drop style exit that felt more frustrated than it did “cool.” The move seemed to underscore the tension that’s been bubbling under the surface for the Lakers, who are now struggling to keep up in a loaded Western Conference.

After starting his coaching tenure with a promising 3-0 streak, Redick quickly learned that NBA coaching isn’t all about schemes and X’s and O’s. The Lakers have since dropped four of their last five games, with their shaky defense and inconsistent hustle marking a downward slide. The latest loss to Memphis, fueled by Ja Morant’s dominant performance, left fans and analysts questioning the Lakers’ discipline and grit.

When asked postgame about the team’s apparent lack of effort, Redick offered a terse three-word response: “I just did.” He then promptly exited the media session, leaving reporters and fans wondering if the new coach is already feeling the pressure of the Lakers’ high expectations. The response, brief and dismissive, did little to clarify the struggles that have kept the Lakers middling in the standings.

Though the Lakers were missing key players like Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura, LeBron James once again stepped up, posting 39 points in just 35 minutes. At nearly 40 years old, LeBron continues to outshine his younger teammates, a feat that raises questions about the rest of the roster’s readiness to compete at a high level. Redick took time to commend LeBron’s performance, praising his energy and leadership on a night when effort seemed scarce.

“I think LeBron was fantastic tonight,”Redick told reporters before his abrupt exit. “I didn’t even realize he had 39 until I saw the box score. Almost 40 years old, and he’s out there playing the hardest of anyone on our team. That says a lot about him.” But for all the compliments, Redick seemed at a loss for how to inspire similar grit across the board.

Is JJ Redick’s coaching style already costing the Lakers?

Redick’s blunt coaching style, however, has also raised eyebrows. Known for his candid opinions as a podcaster, Redick has been less than subtle in critiquing his players’ performances, including guard D’Angelo Russell, whose offensive struggles have hampered the team’s flow. While Redick’s honesty might resonate with some, his approach has sparked concern in a league where player-coach dynamics are often delicate.

The Lakers’ 4-4 record places them 10th in the West, a far cry from the high-seeded contention many expected before the season began. Memphis, the team’s latest conqueror, now leapfrogs them in the standings with a 5-4 record, adding to the sense of urgency for the Lakers to find their footing – and fast.

While rookie coaches aren’t expected to have all the answers, there’s an expectation of leadership, especially in LA’s high-stakes environment. For Redick, his latest misstep in the media room may reflect a need for growth and maturity, both as a strategist and as the face of a franchise looking for stability.

Redick’s inexperience was already a talking point when he landed the job, with critics questioning his qualifications to take over a team with championship aspirations. Now, his actions are only fueling the fire, as many wonder if he’s up to the challenge of managing both the pressures of the role and the personalities within the locker room.

It’s still early in the season, but if Redick is to find success with the Lakers, he’ll need more than sharp shooting and media savvy. He’ll need to prove he can guide a team through adversity – and stick around to answer the tough questions when they arise.