The NBA is facing a decline in viewership this season, and Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick hasn’t held back in sharing his perspective on the issue. Redick recently attributed the league’s ratings dip to consistent negativity in media coverage, which he believes has influenced fans’ perception of the NBA.
Redick also indirectly criticized analysts, implying that their constant criticism has harmed the league’s popularity. His comments sparked a sharp response from NBA legend and analyst Charles Barkley during Thursday’s “Inside the NBA” broadcast. Barkley not only criticized Redick’s statements but also took aim at the Lakers, questioning Redick’s job security.
On Friday, ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Redick addressed Barkley’s criticism. While the coach refrained from a direct rebuttal, he made it clear that he wasn’t overly concerned.
“I didn’t make it all the way through the clip, I got to be honest with you. My resting heart rate is probably 64 [beats per minute]. I watched the clip, it was 64,” Redick said.
JJ Redick when asked about Charles Barkley’s criticism: “Literally don’t care” pic.twitter.com/z0dYSvru2p
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 4, 2025
“Literally don’t care. I have other thoughts, but don’t care,” Redick added.
Skip Bayless Criticizes JJ Redick For Comments On NBA Media Coverage
After Charles Barkley’s sharp remarks, prominent NBA analyst Skip Bayless joined the conversation, slamming JJ Redick for his critique of NBA analysts. Bayless took to the social media platform X, writing that Redick should focus more on improving the Lakers’ performance rather than addressing the media’s portrayal of the NBA.
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“JJ Redick’s Lakers, with 2 Top 10 players, have underachieved at 19-14, 6th in West, 9 games back of OKC. YET REDICK CRITICIZED GENERAL NBA MEDIA COVERAGE AS TOO NEGATIVE??? BLAME-DEFLECTING!!! “LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE.” WIN SOMETHING BEFORE YOU MOUNT YOUR SOAP BOX, JJ. WEAK,” Bayless wrote on X.
The Lakers’ next challenge will be against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, where all eyes will be on how Redick responds to the criticism. A strong performance and an improved standing could serve as the best answer to his critics.
