Lakers HC JJ Redick Fires Back at the ‘Crazy’ Narratives Surrounding LeBron James
Lakers HC JJ Redick Fires Back at the ‘Crazy’ Narratives Surrounding LeBron James
NBA

Lakers HC JJ Redick Fires Back at the ‘Crazy’ Narratives Surrounding LeBron James

JJ Redick sets the record straight on LeBron James' dedication after the Lakers star's dominant showing in his first back-to-back of the season.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Atlanta Hawks 141-116 during Tuesday’s home matchup, resoundingly snapping their season-worst three-game losing streak.

Despite initially being listed as questionable for the second leg of LA’s back-to-back, James led the way, prompting an impassioned postgame address from Lakers coach JJ Redick.

JJ Redick Sets the Record Straight on LeBron James’ Dedication to the Lakers

As has become the norm in his historic 23rd campaign, James popped up on LA’s injury report early Tuesday as part of his ongoing management of foot and back soreness.

Just last week, the 41-year-old made it clear that his status would be “TBD” for “every back-to-back for the rest of the season.” As such, many expected James to take a night off following the Lakers’ dismal performance in Monday’s 124-112 road loss to the struggling Sacramento Kings.

Instead, James not only suited up in his first back-to-back of the season but thrived. He tallied a game-high 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists on efficient 12-for-20 shooting (60%), getting to the rim at will and facilitating for his teammates.

Meanwhile, his co-star Luka Dončić, who played through left groin soreness, chipped in 27 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists as LA pulled away early behind a 17-0 second-quarter run.

James and Co. extended their advantage as high as 32 points in the third quarter before weathering Atlanta’s rally to within 11 points in the final frame. The Hawks were spearheaded by guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum, who combined for 51 points in the lopsided affair.

After the Lakers’ emphatic win, Redick was asked what went into deciding James’ status and how impressed he was that the 21-time All-Star was able to flourish, given his age.

Redick first stressed that James’ status being upgraded from questionable to available was entirely his decision, noting that he had planned to be without the versatile veteran.

“There’s no decision that gets made for him. … He’s gonna do everything he possibly can to play in his 23rd year. It’s remarkable,” Redick began.

“His competitive stamina is off the charts. We didn’t expect him to be able to play. I mean, that’s just the nature of a 41-year-old body who plays heavy minutes. And he just said, ‘I’m gonna try.'”

Afterward, Redick seized the opportunity to call out James’ detractors who frequently question his commitment to his team at this stage of his career.

“I don’t take for granted the LeBron stuff,” Redick said. “… It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares, and the way certain people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts.”

When informed about his coach’s fervent remarks, James dismissed his critics, shifting the focus toward his longtime supporters.

“I just hope that once I’m done, that I made an impact for the people that follow my career and watch me, my fans that’s been locked down with me for over 23 years,” James shared. “… That’s all that matters is my crew that’s been with me, and everything else doesn’t matter.”

James and the Lakers (24-14) will seek to maintain their momentum during Thursday’s home clash against the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets (14-26), marking another very winnable contest.

Tristan Rawcliffe
Written by Tristan Rawcliffe

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