The Los Angeles Lakers were rolling in Oklahoma City. Luka Doncic was throwing lasers, LeBron James was gliding to the rim like he had a time machine, and the Thunder were getting steamrolled. But while the team was vibing, one man was having a full-on sideline meltdown—JJ Redick, who launched into the air like someone had just told him Reaves forgot the playbook.
With the Lakers up comfortably, Redick spotted Reaves floating around on offense instead of sprinting to the opposite corner. Cue the fireworks. JJ started yelling, jumping, flailing, basically doing everything except physically dragging Reaves into position. If there was ever a moment that screamed “first-year head coach energy,” this was it.
And yet—it worked.
Moments later, Reaves shifted, LeBron found the passing lane, and Jaxson Hayes dropped the hammer with a dunk. The setup? All JJ. The reaction? Pure chaos. The sideline went wild, fans lit up social media, and Redick went from angry coach to accidental playmaker of the night.
This wasn’t just about a missed cut—it was about demanding excellence. Redick, who’s praised Reaves all season for his growth and confidence, wasn’t about to let a small mistake slide. Not on his watch. Not in a statement game like this.
Lakers Torch Thunder As Doncic, LeBron Cook
While JJ was stealing the spotlight, the Lakers were quietly dismantling OKC with surgical precision. The final score? 126-99. A complete blowout.
Doncic was his usual alien self—30 points and 11 assists, threading passes through needles and running the floor like a general. LeBron? 22 points, 8 boards, 6 assists, and not a single sign of slowing down even with that nagging groin issue. Reaves added 20, redeeming himself after JJ’s fury, and Hayes gave us a poster moment for the ages.
The Lakers hit 55% of their threes, dominated the boards, and forced OKC into a panic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still managed 26 points, but it felt like empty stats. LA’s defense was too sharp, their offense too smooth, and their game plan? Absolutely locked in.
This isn’t the first time Redick’s energy has gone viral this season—and let’s be honest, it won’t be the last. He’s already ranted about the Most Improved Player award being broken, he’s been a walking soundbite in pressers, and now he’s throwing in sideline choreography? Certified content machine.
But beyond the theatrics, JJ’s coaching chops are showing. He’s holding players accountable in real time, he’s building chemistry, and moments like this—where frustration becomes a highlight—are a glimpse of how seriously he takes this gig.
With win number 48 in the books, the Lakers are officially heating up at the perfect moment. The chemistry between Doncic and LeBron is dangerous, the role players are stepping up, and Redick is coaching like his life depends on every possession.
They’ve got momentum, they’ve got star power, and if Redick keeps pulling puppet strings like this? They might just make some serious noise come playoff time.
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