JJ Redick Goes off on LeBron James’ Critics After Team-Leading 31-Point Performance

JJ Redick calls out LeBron James' critics after his dominant performance against the Atlanta Hawks.

JJ Redick Goes off on LeBron James’ Critics After Team-Leading 31-Point Performance

JJ Redick and LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a minor blip after suffering a disappointing loss to 14th place Sacramento Kings on the first night of a back-to-back. But they bounced back in convincing fashion on their second night as they recorded a 141-116 blowout of the Atlanta Hawks at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.

With the win, the Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak for the second time this season. The win propelled them to fifth place in the Western Conference standings with a 24-14 record, while the Hawks remained at ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 20-22 record.

All five starters for the Lakers recorded double-digit points, with LeBron James leading the scorers with 31 points to go along with nine rebounds and 10 assists, narrowly missing his first triple-double of the season. Luka Doncic finished the game with a double-double, recording 27 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists.

Considering it was a back-to-back, there were doubts whether James would take the court on Tuesday. But head coach JJ Redick saw no reason to rest his stars and played his strongest available lineup.

After a slow start to his 23rd season in the NBA, there was a lot of criticism surrounding James and him being a shadow of the player he once was. However, James appears to have regained his top condition and has been unstoppable since turning 41. The four-time champion is currently averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists.

Following the win, Redick shared words of praise for James and hit back at his critics.

His competitive stamina is off the charts. It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares and the way certain people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. It’s off the charts.

It is remarkable that James, 41, is able to put in such dominant performances in back-to-backs. His recent form is also a sign that he is starting to peak midway through the season. Nevertheless, the Lakers will be careful with how they manage James’ load as the season progresses.

LeBron James continues to defy his age

It is incredible what James is able to do at this age. The 2025-26 campaign represents James’ 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has reached in NBA history. On Tuesday night, James was just one rebound away from a historic triple-double that would make him the oldest player in history to record one.

James put in a solid shift in defense as well as the Lakers looked a lot more active on the defensive side of the floor after their loss to the Kings last night. They shot a lot more efficiently as a team, as well as they shot 57.8% from the field and 55.9% from three.

LeBron James, 41, dunking on a lob
LeBron James, 41, dunking on a lob (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

In the post-match locker-room interview, James spoke about his game day checklist to play in his first back-to-back of the season.

I woke up, got in the cold tub then got into the hyperbaric chamber. Took a nap then played PGA EA Golf a little but as I normally take my legs for 45 minutes. Then I took a shower, got dressed and headed here. Once I got here, I did my normal game day routine, activation, treatment, rehabbing, stretching, lifting, mentally doing everything.

It takes a lot to get ready for match day at 41, and James has always shown that his dedication and passion for the game are second to none. He may have achieved everything there is to achieve in the sport, but his drive remains strong.

LeBron James reacts to Rich Paul’s comments on Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves has been one of the biggest stories for the Lakers this season. Till his injury, the young guard was one of the favorites for the Most Improved Player award and was even in the top-10 list for MVP contenders. If there is one player who has always supported and backed Reaves, it is LeBron James.

James was asked about Rich Paul‘s statements on trading Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies.

He (Rich Paul) is his own man and that is his platform. AR knows how I feel about him. All you got to do is look at us on the bench. Me and AR talk every single day. So, AR knows how I feel about him and I hope AR, or his camp, don’t look at me and think this is words from me are coming through Rich.

Lack of good wing defenders and energy in defense have been the two main reasons why many do not see the Lakers as championship contenders this season. Hence, James’ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul suggested that the Lakers should trade Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr., which would significantly improve their defense. But it appears that James does not share Paul’s sentiment.

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