When the Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick as their head coach, skeptics questioned whether a former sharpshooter with no prior coaching experience could handle the pressure of leading one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Just one year later, Redick himself admits the transition wasn’t seamless, and that a moment of vulnerability early in his tenure completely reshaped his approach to leadership.
Redick recently revealed that during a preseason meeting in Palm Springs last year, he lost his composure in front of his staff and players. One of his assistant coaches later reminded him of the incident, which Redick now refers to as his “meltdown.”
“I spent a lot of time after the season with my performance coach and did a lot of journaling, self-reflection, all of that stuff,” Redick explained. “I worked through some things. The biggest thing for me is just having the ability to properly turn it on and off. And also recognizing—not everybody is wired like Kobe or Tom Brady. You’ve got to meet guys where they are. That doesn’t change the standard or expectation, but it does mean having a little empathy.”
JJ Redick said one of the coaches on his staff reminded him he had a “meltdown” during a preseason meeting in Palm Springs last year when he was a rookie head coach. Redick spoke about his growth and how he is “in a better place” and “not expecting perfection” pic.twitter.com/PC2PdsMvas
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 4, 2025
That moment of self-awareness has become a turning point in Redick’s coaching journey. Known during his playing career for his intensity and meticulous preparation, Redick initially tried to impose those same standards on his players without compromise. The meltdown forced him to reconsider how he communicates, motivates, and manages personalities.
Now, he emphasizes balance: holding players accountable while also understanding their individual rhythms and mental states.
“I’m in a better place now,” Redick said. “I’m not expecting perfection. I want us to run, talk, and compete. If we do those things, the rest will come.”
The Lakers, with LeBron James and Luka Dončić forming the core, are under immense pressure to contend for a championship. Redick’s ability to manage egos, foster communication, and maintain composure will be as important as his X’s and O’s. His early admission of mistakes, and willingness to grow from them, has reportedly resonated with the locker room.
Players have noted that Redick’s openness has created a culture of accountability without fear. By showing vulnerability, he has encouraged his team to embrace growth rather than perfection.
Redick’s rookie season as a head coach was far from flawless, but his reflection on that early meltdown suggests he is evolving quickly. For a franchise chasing its 18th championship banner, that adaptability could prove crucial.
In the end, Redick’s story is less about a single outburst and more about how leaders respond to their lowest moments. By confronting his own shortcomings, he may have found the key to unlocking his team’s potential.
