JJ Redick Admits to 'Cosplaying' as Lakers Coach Early On
The Lakers' head coach reflected on his initial feelings of imposter syndrome during his first year at the helm.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confessed that during the early stages of his coaching career, he felt he was merely pretending to be a coach.
"I probably shouldn’t admit this," Redick said at Lakers practice Wednesday, "but early in my coaching career I felt like I was cosplaying a little bit, you know? It’s like I was pretending to be a coach."
Redick, who was hired in June 2024 after Darvin Ham's dismissal, had no prior head coaching experience. His appointment to lead the 17-time championship franchise raised eyebrows due to this lack of experience, creating immediate pressure for his tenure.
Despite his outward confidence, Redick acknowledged experiencing imposter syndrome, a sentiment he believes he has overcome.
His tenure with the Lakers has seen success, including back-to-back 50-win seasons, a feat not achieved by a Lakers coach since Phil Jackson. Redick has drawn comparisons to Pat Riley, who also had minimal coaching experience before taking over the Lakers and winning four championships.
While the Lakers have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs under Redick, players like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are committed to helping him achieve greater success. Reaves described Redick as having a high care factor and intelligence, emphasizing his dedication to winning.
Redick's self-awareness and willingness to learn have earned him the respect of his players and the wider league, dispelling any doubts about the Lakers' decision to hire him. He stated, "I just think you get more reps, you get more comfortable."
Redick has openly admitted to instances where he could have handled situations better. He recalled a tense exchange with a reporter regarding substitution patterns and a notable moment with Doncic on the bench, vowing to improve after each. Redick is known for his introspective nature, meticulously rewatching games and being his own harshest critic.
A significant shift in his coaching approach occurred last season. "I had a great revelation towards the second half of last year that I talked about with my performance coach this summer," Redick shared. "Some of the things that helped me as a player are deterrents for me as a coach. I think particularly with last year’s team — and I don’t know how this year’s team is going to be — but I felt like calm is better."
Redick explained that the competitive fire that fueled him as a player, characterized by an "inner-anger," was not always beneficial as a coach. He recognized that his intensity, which could be inspiring as a player, could be detrimental in a coaching role. This realization prompted him to adjust his demeanor.
Following a significant loss on Christmas, Redick's reactions became less intense in subsequent games, contributing to a 16-2 run in the spring that positioned the Lakers as potential contenders before injuries to Doncic and Reaves. Even without his star players, Redick inspired the team to a first-round playoff victory, though they were ultimately swept in the Western Conference semifinals.
This upcoming season presents another learning opportunity for Redick, who now feels confident in his role and his place within the league.