With the Los Angeles Lakers riding an 8-game winning streak, it’s fair to start handing out some credit inside the organization. Luka Doncic is getting MVP chatter, as he should, but it’s worth turning the lens to JJ Redick.
In just his second season as a head coach, Redick has done a solid job keeping the group accountable, setting a vocal tone, and leaning into the X’s and O’s. The results are starting to line up with that approach.
He hasn’t quite cracked the mainstream Coach of the Year conversation, but there are people around the league, including Stephen A. Smith, who think the 41-year-old deserves at least some real buzz for COY.
“So is Joe Mazzulla, no doubt. So is Mitch Johnson in San Antonio, no doubt. But JJ Redick is a Coach of the Year candidate. I’m just looking at the Los Angeles Lakers right now, and there’s a buzz that’s fomenting. There’s a buzz that’s developing. There’s something special going on with the Purple and Gold.”
Stephen A. Smith says JJ Redick is a coach of the year candidate:
“So is Joe Mazzulla, no doubt. So is Mitch Johnson San Antonio, no doubt. But JJ Redick is a coach of the year candidate. I’m just looking at the Los Angeles Lakers right now and there’s a buzz that’s fomenting.… https://t.co/ufCpglAGxV pic.twitter.com/V16WktT1cw
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 21, 2026
