JJ Redick often reflects on a particular quote from the 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers:

“There’s a scene where a soldier, who is terrified, asks another, ‘How do you fight without fear?’ The reply is, ‘It’s because I’m already dead.’”
Redick embraced this mentality when he took on the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in June, despite lacking previous coaching experience. This approach serves as a shield against the scrutiny often directed at NBA coaches.

“When I took this job, I effectively accepted its challenges, seeing my role through a lens of acceptance of the potential consequences,” Redick stated.

During LeBron James’ tenure with the Lakers, coaches Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham were both replaced, demonstrating the instability within the position. Vogel brought them a championship but was dismissed two years later; Ham aided the team to the Conference Finals before also being let go.

The Lakers’ performance under Redick has had its ups and downs this season, featuring a promising start followed by a troubling stretch where they lost eight out of eleven games.

Former player Gilbert Arenas humorously criticized the narrative of blaming the current coach for the team’s struggles, while also suggesting that Ham should be brought back for accountability.

Even during recent success, Barkley insultingly suggested, “You’re just a dead man walking,” questioning Redick’s potential to modify the Lakers’ trajectory following previous coaching changes.

In response, Redick mentioned, “I don’t concern myself with such criticism. My focus remains unwavering on the task at hand.”

With rigorous expectations, it’s essential for Redick to maintain a strong sense of self as he navigates the complexities of his new role. He is determined to foster success for the Lakers while managing the noise surrounding his position.