NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett did not hold back in his criticism of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick regarding the management of LeBron James during last season’s playoffs. In a recent episode of his KG Certified podcast, Garnett expressed his outrage over Redick’s decision to leave James on the court for an excessive amount of time during their first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He stated bluntly, “You bogus for doing that,” referring to Redick allowing James to play the entire game while logging an impressive yet exhausting 46 minutes in Game 4 and 40 minutes in Game 5.
At the age of 40 and dealing with multiple injuries, including an MCL sprain, James’s heavy workload raised concerns about his health and wellbeing. Garnett felt that Redick’s approach was a significant misstep that should have cost him his position as head coach. “You don’t treat a legend like that,” Garnett remarked, implying that the decision might have broader implications for player management and workload considerations within the team.
In retrospect, Redick acknowledged his rookie playoff experience as a head coach was a learning opportunity, admitting to regrets regarding the team’s preparation for the series. He reflected, “There was a lot of discussion with our coaching staff… We weren’t physically ready to play,” indicating a recognition of the need for better strategies moving forward.
Despite the critiques, the Lakers have chosen to maintain their confidence in Redick, extending his contract through the 2030 season. As the team looks to the future, LeBron James continues to recover from sciatica and is anticipated to return to the court by mid-November. Garnett believes that the legendary player still possesses significant talent and vigor, suggesting that there is plenty left in the tank for James.
This unfolding narrative highlights the delicate balance of player management and strategic decisions within high-stakes playoff environments, raising important questions about leadership in the league. The Lakers’ commitment to Redick, coupled with James’s ongoing recovery, may signal a forward-thinking approach as they prepare for the new season.