Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick downplayed the criticism of his team from TNT analyst Charles Barkley, saying he didn’t watch Barkley’s clip and finding his comments “ludicrous.” The exchange came after Redick recently criticized the national media for not celebrating the NBA enough.
Redick said he was asked about the declining TV ratings and pointed to the league and game needing more storytelling and celebration. He stated that a casual fan would be less likely to watch if every time they turned on the television, they were told the product sucked.
Barkley responded to Redick’s comments by saying “The Lakers stink” multiple times during his segment on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” However, Redick remained unfazed and focused on the league needing to improve its storytelling.
Redick has been a prominent voice in discussing the need for greater media coverage of the NBA, and it appears he won’t be swayed by Barkley’s criticism.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036707/2025/01/03/jj-redick-charles-barkley-lakers-criticism