Chris_Broussard reacts to JJ Redick’s after game press conference after the Lakers lost to the Nets:

The Los Angeles Lakers saw their eight-game winning streak come to an unexpected halt on Monday night at Barclays Center, losing to the struggling Brooklyn Nets. The defeat was especially notable because it came in the Lakers’ first game without LeBron James, who had suffered a groin injury during their loss to the Boston Celtics just two days earlier. While the loss was disappointing, it didn’t overshadow one key takeaway from the game: the growing influence and leadership of head coach JJ Redick.

Despite the Lakers missing not only LeBron but also key players like Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, Redick remained resolute. He made no excuses for the loss, which caught the attention of several NBA analysts, including Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard. Broussard, a prominent figure in the NBA media world, praised Redick’s approach, calling it a direct reflection of the famed “no excuses” mentality associated with legendary figures like Pat Riley.

“That was a page of Pat Riley’s book,” said Broussard on *First Things First*. “No excuses, I like that. Now they weren’t only missing LeBron, they were missing two other starters in Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes. And still, Redick is like ‘We got to execute, we can win if we just do what we do.’ I like that.”

Broussard’s praise highlights the understated confidence and composure that Redick has displayed since taking over the Lakers’ head coaching role. It’s no secret that many doubted his transition from a media personality

with no prior coaching experience to a rookie NBA head coach, but Redick has silenced critics by transforming a team that was initially bound for the Play-In Tournament into one of the Western Conference’s top contenders. Under his guidance, the Lakers have become a serious threat for the No. 2 seed in the West.

However, with LeBron James expected to miss one to two weeks due to the groin injury, the Lakers are about to face a tough stretch in their schedule. Not only will they be without the services of their star player, but the team is also lacking valuable role players, including Dorian Finney-Smith, who has played a crucial part in turning the Lakers’ season around since his arrival. The combination of these absences presents a daunting challenge for Redick as he leads the team through the coming games.

Yet, amidst these challenges, the Lakers continue to show promise, and much of that can be attributed to Redick’s leadership. His refusal to blame injuries and personnel shortages for the loss to Brooklyn shows the kind of mentality that could carry the Lakers through tough stretches. While it’s unclear how far the team can go without LeBron, the presence of a capable leader like Redick gives them hope.

Adding to the buzz surrounding Redick’s coaching career, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce recently drew comparisons between the Lakers’ rookie head coach and one of the greatest in franchise history, Pat Riley. Riley, who took over as Lakers head coach in the 1980s after transitioning from broadcasting, led the team to multiple championships during his tenure. Pierce, appearing on *Ticket & the Truth* podcast, likened Redick’s early coaching career to that of Riley’s, emphasizing how both men came from the media world and quickly established themselves as successful leaders.

“JJ Redick is out here looking like a young Pat Riley when he first took over the Lakers,” Pierce remarked. “When you watch *Winning Time*, that’s what JJ Redick is looking like. They understand he bought in, and they bought into what he’s saying. There were a lot of question marks going from the podcast, but he got a great basketball mind.”

While the comparison to Riley may be premature—especially considering Riley’s four championships with the Lakers—there’s no denying that Redick has already made a strong impact. He’s built a rapport with his players, and his approach to leadership is beginning to yield results, even in the face of adversity. As the Lakers push through the next several games without their leader, all eyes will be on how Redick continues to navigate the challenges ahead.

For now, the Lakers remain focused on staying competitive in a tough Western Conference, with the hope that Redick’s sharp basketball mind and steady leadership can carry them through the trials of the next few weeks. While a true comparison to Pat Riley might take years to develop, one thing is clear: JJ Redick is quickly proving that his coaching journey is one worth watching.