JJ Redick Says LeBron 'Makes Me Feel Like a Loser,' Lakers Star Reacts to Funny Trending Video
JJ Redick achieved a lot as a player in college and the NBA, but he can't help feeling a little self-conscious when watching Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
"There's a four-burner theory that when you're trying to achieve something there's four burners on the stove and those four burners are work, health, family and friends," the Lakers coach told reporters after Wednesday's 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets. "And it's very hard to have all four burners going. For me in-season, it is work and family. Those are the only two going. ... Watching [James], it actually probably makes me feel like a loser. Every time falls on the ground, every time he has a box-out, every time he gets hit hard in transition, I feel it too."
The question and answer begin at the 2:04 mark in Redick's postgame press conference:
Asked about the remark, James thought his coach was being too self-effacing.
"If he's a loser, we're all in deep s--t," LeBron told reporters in the locker room.
The general decline in James' game is apparent. He can't turn it up on a nightly basis like he did during his prime. The 41-year-old is still capable of putting together an impressive performance, though.
Against Houston, he had 30 points on 13-of-14 shooting along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Luka Dončić also dropped a game-high 40 points and nearly had a triple-double, finishing with nine boards and 10 dimes.
The Lakers' winning streak now sits at seven games, and they've won 10 of their last 11. While Los Angeles isn't the favorite to win the Western Conference, the team is rounding into form at a great time.
For Redick, guiding the Lakers past the first round of the playoffs is critical. Using the word "loser" is a bit of a stretch, but he needs to deliver better postseason returns to reassure everyone he's the right man for the job moving forward.
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