Kevin Garnett Criticizes JJ Redick Over LeBron James Debate Missteps
Kevin Garnett, a celebrated NBA Hall of Famer, has openly criticized Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick regarding his management of LeBron James during the team’s playoff campaigns. Garnett’s remarks came during a discussion on his KG Certified podcast.
Critical Comments on Game Management
Garnett expressed strong disapproval of Redick’s decision to keep James on the court for an extensive duration during the Lakers’ first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 4, James played 46 minutes, followed by 40 minutes in Game 5, despite facing multiple injuries.
- James was 40 years old at the time.
- He was dealing with an MCL sprain during the playoffs.
- The Lakers were eliminated in five games.
“You don’t leave a great like that in the game,” Garnett emphasized, suggesting that Redick’s oversight could have cost him his job.
Concerns Over Player Welfare
Garnett raised concerns about how Redick handled James’ workload, particularly considering the superstar’s earlier absence due to sciatica. “This feels like leverage,” said Garnett, criticizing the treatment of a player of James’ caliber.
Redick’s Reflection and Future Plans
In response to the fallout from the playoff series, Redick acknowledged his mistakes during media day. He cited his regret over the team’s preparation leading into the playoff matchup. “We weren’t physically ready to play,” he admitted, highlighting the pressures of his first playoff series as a head coach.
Despite the backlash, the Lakers have chosen to support Redick by signing him to a two-year extension that will keep him with the team through the 2030 season.
LeBron’s Recovery Timeline
As for LeBron James, he is currently recuperating from sciatica. Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania indicate that he is expected to return to action by mid-November. Garnett remains optimistic about James’ capabilities, asserting that the iconic player still has much to contribute on the court.
