‘Emotional’ JJ Redick Holds Back Tears After Lakers Get Swept in 2nd Round

JJ Redick shared an emotional message after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4.

‘Emotional’ JJ Redick Holds Back Tears After Lakers Get Swept in 2nd Round

JJ Redick was furious with his players in game against the Heat (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • JJ Redick and the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs after a 4-0 sweep by the Thunder.
  • The Lakers showed resilience in Game 4, leading at times but ultimately lost 115-110.
  • Redick expressed gratitude for the home crowd's support and reflected on the team's emotional season.

It was a difficult night for JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers as their 2025-26 campaign officially came to an end on Monday night. The disappointing loss in Game 4 saw them get clean-swept 4-0 in front of their home crowd.

The Lakers gave it their all in their elimination game as they even took a four-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, all of their hard work was undone when the Thunder turned on the screws. In the end, Redick and his men succumbed to a 115-110 loss in Game 4 at the Crypto.com Arena.

After the game, the Lakers’ head coach reflected on his team’s season in an emotional message.

I think with the season end, there’s always, I would say a whirlwind of emotions. Certainly feeling a sense of gratitude for our players, the Lakers, our fan base. Really like that. You’ve seen these 3-0 games before. I thought there were two different times during the game where our team could have gave in, could have let go of the rope. We didn’t.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

Heading into the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder, the Lakers were viewed as heavy underdogs. JJ Redick even labeled the defending champions as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

It was always going to be a difficult series for the purple and gold, as they were beaten in all four regular-season encounters against the Thunder. To make matters worse, they couldn’t rely on the services of their star player, Luka Doncic, who did not make a single appearance in the postseason.

Despite being 3-0 down, the Lakers weren’t ready to throw in the towel and showed life in Game 4. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough in the end as the Thunder remain unbeaten in the playoffs this year after consecutive clean sweeps in the first two rounds.

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JJ Redick thanked the home crowd for their support

It was a competitive match from start to finish on Monday night. In the previous three games, the Lakers stayed neck-to-neck till halftime but were overpowered in the second half. In Game 4, the Lakers kept it close till the end, with their fans backing them.

JJ Redick praised the home crowd and credited them for the energy they brought in with their backs against the wall.

I thought the crowd was awesome tonight. And I’ve been part of these on both sides, where it’s a 3-0 and you’re playing on the road or you’re playing at home. The crowd can just not be great. And the crowd was awesome tonight. Our fans are awesome. Yeah, gratitude.

JJ Redick in his press conference

It was an emotional message from Redick as he spoke about the team’s campaign and the home fans. Changes are expected in the offseason, but there is no doubt that the former player turned coach has done a fine job this season.

Has LeBron James played his final season for the Lakers?

The 2025-26 campaign is LeBron James’ 23rd season in the NBA. Not only is James playing at a high level, but he was also the leader of the team during the playoffs with Doncic sidelined. However, the major question throughout the season was James’ future with the club as his contract ends this year.

JJ Redick and LeBron James
JJ Redick and LeBron James (Image via LakeShow/X)

JJ Redick was asked about his thoughts on potentially coaching James for the final time.

I haven’t even thought about that. We’ll deal with the offseason in the offseason, which is the next 2 months.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

The way James has played this year, he can still play for two more years. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that may try to go for him if he is willing to end his career in the club where it all began. The rumors aren’t going to stop any time soon, especially when it is about LeBron James.

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