JJ Redick’s postgame comments following the Lakers’ 111-103 win over the Pelicans led to endless negative chatter online.
The second-year head coach recently compared his relationship with LeBron James to a pitcher-catcher dynamic just like in baseball. But surprisingly, Redick positioned himself as the catcher, not the manager, which led many to question why the coach wasn’t in charge.
NBA Fans Mercilessly Troll JJ Redick for Demoting Himself to LeBron James’ Yes-Man
After the convincing victory on Tuesday night, the 41-year-old coach explained how he manages his oldest forward by comparing James to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux.
That surprising analogy drew attention not for its brilliance but for what it exposed about the power structure in LA, which was in the shadows until now. “He’s Greg Maddux at the end of his career,” Redick said.
He added, “Every night he doesn’t have his best stuff, but he has enough to win. I’m his catcher. I’ve figured out how to call the pitches. Sometimes he tells me F off, he calls his own pitch, which is fine too.”
“I’m his catcher. I’ve figured out how to call the pitches. Sometimes he tells me F off, he calls his own pitch. Which is fine too.”
— JJ Redick on LeBron James
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/h0xhXNxJig
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 7, 2026
Redick’s admission painted a telling picture of his coaching philosophy and it landed like a turnover in crunch time. A head coach admitting his star player overrules him. Quite frankly, that’s less of a collaborative relationship and more of a power imbalance.
Despite his transparency, fans aren’t convinced by the idea he is following right now to run the team. In baseball, the catcher doesn’t run the team — the manager does, so many felt Redick had just admitted he wasn’t in that role.
One fan wrote, “JJ just the assistant coach pretty much.”
Another fan added, “The NBA will be a better league when LeBron retires.”
A third claimed, “Lmaoooooo this nga a b— bro.”
The fourth shared, “Bending over for LeBron as the head coach is nuts.”
A fifth penned, “Not the catcher nor the pitcher. You’re the fukin head coach!!”
The criticism cut deep because it exposed a fundamental truth. Redick isn’t coaching LeBron. He’s managing him which is a massive difference between the two. This also helps explain why many fans think Bronny James looks like he’s trying too force himself in every game.
As a second-year head coach in LeBron’s 23rd NBA season, Redick’s candid admission underscores the challenges and mutual respect in managing a veteran superstar, with the Lakers thriving at 23-12 and fourth in the Western Conference.
