The Los Angeles Lakers hit a low point in their 2024-25 campaign with a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring a season-low 80 points to Minnesota’s 109. This loss sparked renewed scrutiny of first-year head coach JJ Redick’s leadership and led former NBA star Gilbert Arenas to call for the return of erstwhile HC Darvin Ham.
On his Gil’s Arena podcast, Gilbert Arenas sarcastically called out Lakers’ rookie HC JJ Redick during their ongoing struggles. Arenas made the comment during a watch party, reflecting the frustration of Lakers fans and analysts alike. With the Lakers showing similar struggles to last season despite a coaching change, questions about the team’s direction and accountability are mounting.
Hey, tell (Darvin Ham) to come on back, man. I just want it to be like, ‘N****, it’s the coach’s fault.‘
Gilbert Arenas quipped on the show
Gilbert Arenas wants Darvin Ham back on the Lakers:
“Hey, tell him to come on back, man… We need somebody to blame. I just want it to be like, ‘N****, it’s the coach’s fault.’”
(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/EMTQv8VACv
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 3, 2024
Gilbert Arenas pointed out that while coaches are often scapegoated, the Lakers’ problems go far beyond just their sideline issues. JJ Redick, a rookie head coach, has inherited a team facing a multitude of challenges, from the overarching issue of their ageing superstars to their much-criticized roster inconsistencies.
For much of last season, a primary chunk of the blame for the Lakers’ losses was attributed to the coaching failures of Darvin Ham and not to the highlighted roster issues. Fans expected an immediate shift in the team despite having nearly the same personnel under Redick’s leadership. However, that has not transpired so far, as the Lakers sit with a 12-9 record, having lost 5 of their last 7 games.
Comparing Los Angeles Lakers Lakers under JJ Redick and Darvin Ham
Through the first 21 games of the season, JJ Redick’s Lakers have an identical 12-9 record to Darvin Ham’s team last year. However, key differences highlight the contrasting dynamics of their tenures. Under Ham, the Lakers stayed competitive in the inaugural NBA Cup and eventually won the tournament.
Lakers through 21 games last season with Darvin Ham: 12-9
Lakers through 21 games this season with JJ Redick: 12-9
I don’t think coaching was ever the main issue.
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) December 3, 2024
This year, however, Redick’s squad has already been eliminated from NBA Cup contention following losses to Phoenix and Oklahoma City. But that’s not it. Ham’s time with the Lakers was marked by frequent criticism for questionable in-game decisions, including late-game rotations and defensive strategies.
While his leadership had its flaws, his team managed to stay in playoff contention and even reached the conference finals in 2023. In comparison, JJ Redick has opted for a far more calculated approach and analytically focused approach to improving his team, yet the results have not yielded a discernible improvement.
JJ Redick’s tenure began with optimism, as the Lakers won their first three games. However, since then, they’ve gone 9-9, with glaring weaknesses exposed in recent losses. Redick faces the monumental challenge of leading a roster that leans heavily on LeBron James, now 39, and Anthony Davis, whose leadership has been brought into question by many, including Gilbert Arenas.
