JJ Redick Reacts After Joining Elite Group of Phil Jackson and Pat Riley After Incredible Lakers Accomplishment

JJ Redick is the first head coach since the great Phil Jackson to win 50 games in two consecutive seasons for the Lakers.

JJ Redick Reacts After Joining Elite Group of Phil Jackson and Pat Riley After Incredible Lakers Accomplishment

JJ Redick went nuclear after defeat (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • JJ Redick became the first head coach since Phil Jackson to win 50 games in two consecutive seasons.
  • The Lakers currently hold a 50-26 record and are third in the Western Conference standings.
  • JJ Redick is campaigning for Luka Doncic as MVP, citing his crucial role in the team's success.

There was a lot of skepticism surrounding JJ Redick when he was first hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024. It was an unconventional path to one of the most esteemed jobs in the NBA. Prior to his job at the Lakers, Redick served as an analyst at ESPN and started a podcast, “Mind the Game,” with Lakers star LeBron James. However, it looks like Redick has proven his critics wrong.

After their latest win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Redick became the first head coach since the great Phil Jackson to win 50 games in two consecutive seasons. He joined the elite company of Jackson and Pat Riley.

During his post-match press conference, the Lakers head coach spoke about his latest achievement.

Don’t deserve to be mentioned along with Phil or Pat or any of those guys. I’ve got a lot left to accomplish for sure. I’ve had the same staff for the most part of both years. We are resilient and resolved. We have some competitive guys in the locker room.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

While there were doubts surrounding JJ Redick and they were understandable, he has shown that he is more than capable of handling such a high-pressure job. He has faced criticism during his two years with the club, especially when the Lakers were going through some ups and downs at the beginning of 2026.

After beating the Washington Wizards on Monday, the Lakers registered a convincing 127-113 victory over the Cavaliers at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. The win extended their winning streak to four games as they sit at third place in the Western Conference standings with a 50-26 record. They are currently two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets, who are in fourth place.

Last season, the Lakers came third in the West and finished with a 50-32 record. However, they were beaten in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. But the Lakers’ strong run of form has seen a few analysts, including Stephen A. Smith, praising the young head coach.

JJ Redick on the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent surge

The Lakers have been on a good run of form since the All-Star break. Their win over the Cavs was an impressive one, as it came against a strong Eastern Conference contender. The purple and gold have enjoyed a 17-5 record since the All-Star break, with a dominant 15-2 record in March.

During his postgame media availability, JJ Redick revealed exactly why things had been going so well for his team.

I think it was a confluence of things starting with health. It’s much easier when you have a consistent stretch of health to sort of… settle in to roles and minutes and rotations. We never found that throughout the season.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

The Lakers face a stern test next against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at Paycom Center on April 2. They have lost their previous two meetings against the Thunder this season.

JJ Redick campaigns for Luka Doncic as MVP

Luka Doncic is the center of the Redick’s team. He has been on an absolute tear in the month of March and has carried the Lakers on his shoulders for the majority of the season. Unfortunately, despite his staggering performances, many were stunned when the Slovenian dropped to fourth in the MVP Ladder. Even Doncic himself was at a loss for words.

Luka Doncic and JJ Redick
Luka Doncic and JJ Redick (Image via Lakers Win/X)

But that has not stopped JJ Redick from campaigning for his star guard in his press conference.

I would just say if we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now and he continues to play that way, to me, he is the MVP. I think when we started 15-4, you could have made an argument that he was the MVP then. Well, he’s been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season.

JJ Redick on Luka Doncic’s MVP chances

It looks highly unlikely that Doncic will win the MVP award this year. But he could make a serious case for himself when they take on the Thunder. If Doncic can put in a big performance against the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he could break into the top three in the MVP race heading into the final week.

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