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Kendrick Perkins: JJ Redick is 'running circles around Ime Udoka'
TL;DR
JJ Redick, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, is outperforming Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka in their playoff series. The Lakers lead 2-0, thanks to Redick's effective defensive strategies.
Key points
- JJ Redick is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Lakers lead the series 2-0 against the Houston Rockets.
- Kendrick Perkins claims Redick is outcoaching Ime Udoka.
- Lakers faced injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
- Redick's defensive game plan has confused the Rockets.
Mentioned in this story
JJ RedickIme UdokaKendrick PerkinsLuka DoncicAustin Reaves
Los Angeles LakersHouston Rockets
When the Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick to be their head coach in 2024, lots of people doubted he was the right man for the job. He had virtually no coaching experience, and he had been a broadcaster and a podcaster, with his most notable podcasting gig being his role as co-host on LeBron James' "Mind the Game" podcast.
But he showed promise last season when he guided the Lakers through roster changes and off-court obstacles to the third seed in the Western Conference. This season, they struggled for a good portion of their schedule, but they won 16 of 18 games in late February and March and got the fourth seed. Now, without the injured Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, they have taken an improbable 2-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Redick has put together a defensive game plan that has made the Rockets seem all mixed up. Houston has scored a total of 192 points in the first two games, and it has been unable to find an elixir to the Lakers' help schemes on the perimeter.
Former NBA center and current ESPN personality Kendrick Perkins said on "Get Up" that Redick is clearly outcoaching Ime Udoka, his Houston counterpart, and he also had some harsh words for the Rockets.
“The Rockets are the dumbest team and the most selfish team in the postseason,” Perkins said. “JJ Redick is coaching his ass off, so much that he's coaching circles around Ime Udoka.
Q&A
How is JJ Redick performing as head coach of the Lakers?
JJ Redick has led the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets, showcasing effective defensive strategies.
What did Kendrick Perkins say about JJ Redick and Ime Udoka?
Kendrick Perkins stated that JJ Redick is outcoaching Ime Udoka in their playoff matchup, highlighting Redick's successful game plan.
What challenges have the Lakers faced this season?
The Lakers struggled for part of the season but managed to win 16 of 18 games late in the schedule, securing a playoff spot despite injuries to key players.
