Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick chose not to engage in a public spat with Charles Barkley after being criticized for his team and questioning his job security during Thursday’s “Inside the NBA” broadcast. Redick said he didn’t care about the criticism, citing his resting heart rate of 64 beats per minute.
Redick had previously stated that the league’s coverage was prompting teams to play a similar style, making games less interesting. However, Barkley disagreed, saying the Lakers’ high number of three-point attempts makes them less attractive to watch. Redick argued that the 3-point shot has allowed for more space at the rim and in the paint, enabling players to score effectively.
The public feud between Redick and Barkley is not new, with the two having exchanged insults before. L.A. Lakers guard LeBron James also had a similar exchange with Barkley in 2017. Despite being ranked sixth in the Western Conference with a 19-14 record, the Lakers’ performance has been under scrutiny from some pundits.
Redick acknowledged that he could be let go at any time and is aware of the risks associated with coaching in the NBA. The coach’s comments were part of a broader discussion on how the league’s television rights partners cover the game, with Redick saying the focus should be on celebrating the sport rather than criticizing it.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43278520/jj-redick-charles-barkley-los-angeles-lakers-commentary