LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a bold move aimed at reviving a struggling season, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to bench D’Angelo Russell in favor of Cam Reddish in the starting five as they took on the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night. This marks a significant change for Russell, who found himself on the bench for the first time this year after a disappointing 1-4 road trip.
Under rookie coach JJ Redick, Russell struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 12.0 points and 5.8 assists per game. The point guard, known for his offensive talents, saw his shooting percentage drop to 37.5%, often appearing hesitant on both offense and defense.
Redick’s frustration came to a head during the Lakers’ recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he opted to bench Russell in the second half after a series of questionable decisions on the court. Although Redick acknowledged that Russell had his moments of brilliance, he was quick to point out that the player had fallen back into familiar, unproductive habits this season.
Read more:
Nurkic’s game-clinching free throw seals Suns’ win over Mavericks
One moment that captivated the attention of fans and commentators was Redick’s heated reaction from courtside, where he expressed his disapproval by banging his chair against the ground after a game-clinching mistake by Russell. Explaining his actions, Redick said his anger was not solely directed at Russell but was rooted in a wide range of flawed plays that plagued the Lakers. In a pre-match address, he made sure Russell was aware of his frustrations:
“Basketball is an emotional game. I’m a competitive person, and sometimes my emotions can overwhelm me. But that’s part of the passion that drives me to coach. I accept it, and yes, it can happen again — that’s just the reality. I’m not a zombie; I’m expressive and competitive,” Redick said.
Read more:
Tatum shines with 33 points, Pritchard secures overtime victory for Celtics
Despite the change, Redick kept his cards close to his chest during his pregame comments and didn’t hint that a lineup change was on the horizon. The move means Russell could have the chance to rediscover his offensive flair coming off the bench, which could free him from the pressure of competing for shots with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As for Reddish, he has had little action this season, playing in only three games and averaging 5.0 points. However, his defense on the wing is a welcome addition for the Lakers, who were in dire need of reinforcement at that position during their woeful away spell.
Although Redick is new to the coaching scene, he has already started to make waves with his dynamic approach. After a postgame press conference in Memphis, he left a strong impression by dramatically dropping the microphone before leaving the room, a gesture that signals his commitment to authenticity in his role.
Read more:
JJ Redick Reorganizes Lakers Roster, Responds to Viral Moment in Loss to Grizzlies
Reflecting on the challenges faced thus far, Redick expressed a twisted form of excitement over the difficulties he encountered, stating: “It reassures me to know that I’m a masochist. I thrive on opportunities for growth .That’s the essence of coaching — it can’t all be strawberries and ice cream!”
