Lakers' JJ Redick Had His Kids Write Persuasive Essays to Earn Coveted Christmas Gifts

Homework didn't stop over the Christmas break for the children of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

Before Thursday's 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets, Redick told reporters he and his wife asked their two sons to pen "persuasive essays" in order to receive their biggest gifts.

Nine-year-old son Kai "really knocked it out of the park" and got a Meta VR headset, while 11-year-old Knox is the owner of a new Apple Watch.

"Obviously, he doesn't have a cell phone, but has a cell number now, which is a big step for him," Redick said of his older son. "Thought it was the coolest thing. We went on our walk this morning with the dog and he was calling all his friends."

Since the essays seemed to work so well, it may not be long before the coach carries the tactic over to his team.

Redick offered a withering assessment of Los Angeles' performance on Christmas Day.

Rockets-Lakers Full Highlights

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"We don't care enough right now," he said. "And that's the part that bothers you a lot. We don't care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don't care enough to be a professional."

The Lakers are still fourth in the Western Conference at 19-10 but have now lost three games in a row, all by double digits. Maybe it's time for some "persuasive essays" to determine who's still worthy of playing time.