The Los Angeles Lakers looked sharp in October. Now, the mood around the team feels far more complicated.
After opening the season with a 15-4 record, the Lakers briefly resembled a serious title contender. The ball moved. The defense rotated. The wins came consistently. In a franchise where banners define success, belief returned quickly.
But as the schedule toughened, familiar cracks began to show. Defensive lapses resurfaced. Effort fluctuated. Performances against elite Western Conference teams lacked consistency. What once looked stable now feels uncertain.
That shift is what sparked a public warning about JJ Redick’s future.
“I think the ownership is going to want to come in and bring their own everything. You know, unless JJ does something phenomenal and gets to the Western Conference Finals, that’s the only way I see him sticking around…
Robert Horry questions JJ Redick’s authority
On his podcast, Robert Horry addressed the situation directly. The seven-time NBA champion suggested that if the Lakers slip into the Play-In tournament or fail to reach the Western Conference Finals, Redick’s job security could quickly become fragile.
He pointed to potential front-office consequences involving general manager Rob Pelinka. If ownership opts for major changes after another championship-less season, Horry believes the coaching position would not be protected.
If the Lakers fail to make serious postseason noise, a reset could include more than just roster adjustments.
Horry also questioned Redick’s leadership style, particularly when managing star talent such as Luka Doncic. According to Horry, elite players require accountability and direction, not simply communication.
“You can’t just do your own thing,” Horry said, emphasizing that structure and authority matter when expectations are this high.
A short Leash in Los Angeles
History reinforces the concern. Frank Vogel was dismissed in 2022, just two seasons after leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, a decision widely reported by ESPN at the time. His successor, Darvin Ham, also faced sustained criticism during uneven stretches, with coverage from The Athletic detailing internal pressure within the organization.
“I think you have to bring in someone that isn’t trying to be a coach and a friend. I think you need to come in and coach and a mentor, not a friend…
In Los Angeles, results determine timelines. Advanced data from NBA.com shows the Lakers struggling defensively against top offensive teams this season. In the Western Conference, where contenders operate with precision, that vulnerability can define a playoff series.
For a franchise built on championships, incremental improvement is rarely enough.
The pressure is different in L.A.
Coaching the Lakers comes with a spotlight few markets can match. Every slump becomes a national topic. Every sideline reaction is analyzed. Every postseason result shapes reputations.
JJ Redick, in his first head coaching role, is navigating that reality in real time. His early success raised expectations quickly. The recent inconsistency has introduced new scrutiny just as fast.
“I think someone like Luka needs strong love because Luka has a tendency of doing his own thing, and you can’t just do your own thing…
National analysts have already highlighted defensive discipline and late-game composure as areas requiring urgent refinement. When the benchmark is championship contention, small flaws feel amplified.
The final stretch will define what happens with Redick
The remaining regular-season schedule now carries increased weight. A strong push against playoff-caliber opponents could steady the situation and reinforce confidence in Redick’s direction. A slide toward the Play-In would intensify questions across the organization.
In Los Angeles, postseason performance shapes everything. Coaches are not judged by promise. They are judged by progress toward June.
This article references publicly available data from NBA.com and prior reporting from ESPN and The Athletic regarding past Lakers coaching changes. Statements from Robert Horry were made on his podcast while discussing JJ Redick’s future with the Lakers.
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