Lakers coach JJ Redick is about to be fired.

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has never been one to hold back his opinions, especially when it comes to the struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers this season. In a recent statement, Arenas took aim at Lakers head coach JJ Redick, suggesting that Redick should have been fired following the team’s disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Arenas’ Bold Take on Redick’s Coaching

“Put it like this: J.J. would’ve got fired last night if it was up to me,” Arenas bluntly stated, adding to the growing pressure surrounding Redick’s first season as head coach. While Arenas’ critique is sharp, it may be a bit premature, given that Redick is still early into his coaching career, and it’s only a quarter of the way through the season.

Lakers’ Struggles Under Redick’s Leadership

Despite the criticism, Redick’s coaching abilities have not been the main cause of the Lakers’ woes. Their problems go beyond coaching and point to issues within the team’s construction. Currently, the Lakers rank 24th in defensive rating, with a concerning 116.7 defensive rating, placing them below teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Toronto Raptors. Their offense fares slightly better at 10th in the league with a 113.8 offensive rating, but their recent performance has raised serious concerns.

Lakers’ Embarrassing Loss to the Timberwolves

The Lakers’ most recent game, a crushing 109-80 defeat to the Timberwolves, highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles. Redick and the Lakers failed to execute a strong game plan, and their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, had subpar performances that only compounded the issues.

Anthony Davis shot just 4-for-14 from the field, finishing with 12 points — his second-lowest total of the season. LeBron James had a similarly rough outing, scoring only 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting, including a 0-for-4 mark from three-point range. Both players were crucial to the loss, and their lackluster performances have raised concerns about their ability to lead the team consistently.

The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Roster Issues

While Redick’s coaching style and adjustments are under scrutiny, the Lakers’ problems extend well beyond the sidelines. The team is heavily reliant on LeBron James, who will turn 40 in a few weeks, and their roster lacks depth. The Lakers are struggling in multiple areas of the game, from defense to scoring consistency, and these issues are beyond what any coach can fix alone.

As the season progresses, the Lakers will need to address these flaws to remain competitive in the Western Conference. While Redick is still finding his footing as a head coach, it’s clear that the team’s struggles are more about personnel and roster construction than coaching decisions.

In Summary

While Gilbert Arenas’ harsh criticism of JJ Redick may have added fuel to the fire, the Lakers’ problems are deeper than any one coach can resolve. If Los Angeles wants to turn things around, they will need improvements from both their aging superstars and their roster as a whole.