Trevor Ariza recently expressed his admiration for first-time head coach JJ Redick, calling him “the perfect a**hole” while reflecting on the early success Redick has found leading the Los Angeles Lakers. Ariza’s comment, made during an appearance on Run It Back, may sound unconventional, but it encapsulates Redick’s confidence, preparation, and intensity, which have earned respect from players and analysts alike.
“He’s like the perfect a**hole. What I mean by that is he’s so confident in what he does because of the preparation that he has or that he had as a player that he’s confident in his ability to get anything done and as a player, as a teammate, you attract to guys who put in the work and are confident.”
“But as a coach, you trust guys who put in that much more work and doesn’t waver and show you that same confidence. I think he’s great, I think he’s just what the Lakers need. Going forward, as he gets more games under his belt, he gets into more situations, I just think he’s going to get better.”
"JJ is the perfect a**hole. I think he's just what the Lakers need."
Trevor Ariza on JJ Redick as an NBA coach 😂
▶️ https://t.co/GZwqAFxmNu@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/6oYIGyysT4
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) November 22, 2024
Ariza, who played with Redick during their time on the Orlando Magic in the 2006-07 season, believes Redick’s meticulous approach and unwavering self-assurance are pivotal to his success.
This confidence has translated seamlessly into Redick’s coaching style. Despite lacking prior coaching experience, he has guided the Lakers to a 10-5 start this season, far exceeding preseason expectations. The Lakers, often scrutinized for their fluctuating performance in recent years, appear to have found stability under Redick’s leadership. His ability to manage the egos and expectations surrounding stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been instrumental in fostering a cohesive team environment.
Redick’s impact is evident not only in the Lakers’ record but also in the performances of their key players. Anthony Davis is thriving under Redick’s guidance, posting MVP-caliber numbers while showing improvements in consistency and leadership. LeBron James, known for his influence on team dynamics, has also praised Redick for his structured approach and ability to hold players accountable.
However, Redick’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After a hot 3-0 start, the Lakers endured a rough patch, losing four of their next five games. Yet, Redick’s resilience shone through, as the team rebounded with a six-game winning streak before narrowly losing to the Orlando Magic in a heartbreaking 119-118 defeat. Redick’s ability to adapt and address issues, such as free-throw struggles in critical moments, has been a testament to his growth as a coach.
As the Lakers prepare for tougher matchups against championship-caliber teams like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors, Redick’s mettle will be further tested. Still, Ariza’s endorsement highlights the belief that Redick is uniquely equipped to handle the pressures of leading a storied franchise. With his sharp basketball IQ and unapologetic confidence, Redick has already begun proving himself as the right man to guide the Lakers in their pursuit of success.
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