Lakers Coach JJ Redick Gives Blunt Statement on Sixers Tenure

JJ Redick returns to face Sixers in Philly for first time as a head coach.
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks to media members after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks to media members after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

On Tuesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers were back on their home floor to host the LA Lakers in a nationally televised matchup. This game featured multiple familiar faces, with JJ Redick being the most notable.

Redick is navigating his first season as a head coach following a 15-year career as a player. Among his stops at the latter half of his playing was the Sixers. He originally signed in Philly as a free agent in 2017 and went on to spend two years with the franchise.

During his brief stint in Philly, Redick thrived as a complement to All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He put up some of the best numbers of his career in this stretch, averaging 17.6 PPG and shooting 40.7% from deep in over 140 total games. Even with his time in Philly being short, Redick still managed to climb to ninth in three-pointers made in franchise history with 433.

While these teams have already faced off this season, Tuesday marked the first time Redick returned to Philly as a head coach. Prior to the game, the longtime sharpshooter was asked if his time in Philly has helped him in any way as he starts this new chapter of his career. Redick bluntly stated that playing in such a passionate city helped prepare him to coach a high-profile team.

"If you can play in Philly you can coach the Lakers," Redick said.

Redick has had a lot of success in his early days with the Lakers, but his homecoming would not end up going how he might have wanted. Thanks to a strong performance from Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers walked out with a 118-104 victory.


Published
Kevin McCormick
KEVIN MCCORMICK

Kevin McCormick covers the Philadelphia 76ers FanNation's All76ers. Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management, he's gone on to pursue a career in journalism covering the NBA. Some of his previous bylines include 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and Sportskeeda.