JJ Redick often reflects on a scene from the HBO miniseries about World War II titled Band of Brothers. In it, a soldier confronts his fears and asks another soldier how he can go out and fight without seeming scared. The response is poignant: “It’s because I’m already dead.” Redick has adopted this philosophy in his role as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers despite lacking coaching experience. “When I took this job, I already died. So, I’m well aware of this profession, but it’s not even on my radar. I’m already dead.”

Since taking over in June, Redick steps into a complex situation where prior coaches, like Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, were hired and then subsequently fired after significant performances. The Lakers have shown promise with impressive wins followed by tougher stretches, struggling after an early six-game winning streak.

As the Lakers navigated through ups and downs, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas highlighted the strange juxtaposition of accountability in coaching roles, questioning why Redick faced far fewer criticisms compared to his predecessors, stating, “Hey, tell Ham to come on back, man… We need somebody to blame. I just want to be like, ‘It’s the coach. It is the coach’s fault.’”

Even during a current winning streak, Charles Barkley targeted Redick during a segment on Inside the NBA, saying, “You’re just a dead man walking… The Lakers stink.” Redick, however, maintained his composure, declaring, “My resting heart rate is probably 64. I watched the clip, it was 64. Literally don’t care. I have other thoughts. But don’t care.”

Amid varying public opinions, Redick continues to emphasize that maintaining his focus on the game is his top priority. “I signed up for the hard stuff,” he stated. The journey ahead holds uncertain challenges, as Redick knows the pressures of leading a premier franchise in the NBA.