JJ Redick Hilariously Calls Out LeBron James for ‘Foul-Baiting’ on Near-Perfect Shooting Night

LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to score at least 30 points on 90% shooting after an amazing display against the Rockets.

JJ Redick Hilariously Calls Out LeBron James for ‘Foul-Baiting’ on Near-Perfect Shooting Night

JJ Redick on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James scored 30 points with 13 of 14 shooting in the Lakers' 124-116 win over the Rockets.
  • JJ Redick humorously criticized James for missing a shot while attempting to draw a foul.
  • The Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games and improved their record to 44-25.

The Los Angeles Lakers led by LeBron James are on an absolute tear at the moment. After beating the Houston Rockets on Monday, the Lakers registered another convincing 124-116 victory at the Toyota Center on Wednesday night. Following the win, the Lakers won the head-to-head series, 2-1, against the Rockets in the regular-season.

On Wednesday, LeBron James scored 30 points in 34 minutes of action. But what impressed everyone was his efficiency as he made 13 out of his 14 shots.

In his post-match press conference, head coach JJ Redick jokingly called out James over the reason he missed the shot. “The one shot (LeBron) missed he was trying to foul bait. That’s the biggest thing,” the coach said.

JJ Redick was in awe of LeBron James‘ performance and the comments were all in good fun. The four-time champion was unstoppable against the Rockets. James had not breached the 20-point mark in his last three games since his return from an elbow injury.

The Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games. They have also won all four games since James’ return, putting to rest about the 41-year-old being a liability to the team. At 41, James became the oldest player in NBA history to score at least 30 points on 90% shooting by almost 5 years.

The win improved the Lakers’ record to 44-25 as they remain at third place in a highly competitive Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games ahead of fourth place, Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the Rockets dropped to fifth in standings with a 41-27 record and are tied on games with the Denver Nuggets, who are at sixth place.

JJ Redick feels like a loser after watching LeBron James play

Head coach JJ Redick is of the same age as LeBron James. It is not often the NBA world comes across a coach being of the same age as one of his players.

Redick joked about James playing at a high level at 41 and makes him feel like a loser because of how out of shape he is.

Every time he falls on the ground, every time he has a box out, every time he gets hit hard in transition, I feel it too. I feel it too, because I’m just so out of shape right now. It’s remarkable.

JJ Redick on LeBron James playing at 41

Drafted into the NBA in 2006, Redick played for various franchises throughout his 17-year NBA career. Known for his shooting abilities, Redick announced his retirement in 2021 after playing his final season with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020-21 campaign.

LeBron James can play for another four to five years

The 2025-26 campaign represents LeBron James’ 23rd season in the NBA, and it is an unprecedented number. While he may not have the same impact on winning like before, he is still performing at a high level and is averaging 21.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season.

Kevin Durant and LeBron James
Kevin Durant and LeBron James (Image credits – Clutch City Brasil/X)

Kevin Durant, who is 37-years-old himself, praised LeBron James’ longevity and believed he still had a few more years left in him.

I think he can play till he is 45 years old. I don’t know if he wanna be around that long but I think he can play for another four to five more years. Its not a surprise anymore. He is 41 but looks great out there. When you love the game as much as he does, you’d do anything to stay locked in so he’s very inspriring as a human being.

Kevin Durant on LeBron James

At the backend of his career, the Lakers front office and LeBron James have made it clear that Luka Doncic was the focal point of this team. As such, the four-time champion is currently in the final year of his contract, and will likely not extend his contract.

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