Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick was caught red-handed this weekend – not in any scandal, but in an act of pure coaching dedication. The first-year Lakers coach was spotted by none other than NBA legend Baron Davis studying game film in an unlikely location: the car wash.
Davis, who played 13 seasons in the NBA including stints with the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers, posted about his surprising encounter with Redick on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Just ran into @jj_redick at the Car Wash. he had the Laptop watching film!!!! Players coach!!! Lakers in great hands !! #dedication
Baron Davis on X
The post quickly went viral, with fans and media praising Redick’s commitment to his craft and willingness to maximize every moment for the betterment of his team. But how did the sharpshooting coach end up breaking down plays while his ride got a rinse?
Efficiency on a Back-to-Back
Redick, known as one of the purest shooters in NBA history during his playing days, brought that same precision to his explanation of the car wash film session. The Lakers were in the midst of a brutal back-to-back, having beaten the Phoenix Suns 123-116 on Friday night before having to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
“It’s the circumstance of the back-to-back,” Redick said when asked about his public film study. “Basically, I spent last night and this morning tying the bow from last night’s game and a little bit looking forward to today. This morning, it was no different.”
But with two sons who had basketball games of their own in the afternoon, and the car wash conveniently located next door, Redick decided to combine tasks. “Very efficient use of time,” he quipped.
Keeping the Lakers Rolling
That efficiency paid off, as the Lakers rallied from a halftime deficit to beat the Kings 131-127, pushing their record to a perfect 3-0 to start the season. The consecutive wins over playoff-caliber opponents are an early sign that Redick’s detail-oriented approach is resonating with his roster.
While Redick admitted that watching film at the car wash is “not normal,” his meticulous game preparation has become a staple of his nascent coaching career. The 38-year-old parlayed his 15-year playing career into an assistant coaching gig with the Brooklyn Nets last season before landing the coveted Lakers head job this summer.
Defense-First Identity
Though known as one of the deadliest long-range marksmen in league history, Redick has quickly fashioned the Lakers into a defensive juggernaut. They held the high-octane Kings, led by First Team All-NBA center Damontas Sabonis, to just 19 points in the fourth quarter to fuel their comeback win.
That hard-nosed identity was on display the night before against Phoenix as well, with the Lakers forcing 19 turnovers and holding the Suns to just 41% shooting from the field. It’s a formula straight from Redick’s mentor, Doc Rivers, who coached the perennial All-Star in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
Doc always preached that defense was about habits, doing the little things every day until they become second nature. That’s what we’re building here.
JJ Redick on his coaching philosophy
LeBron: “More than a Team”
Those habits have earned Redick the early buy-in of Lakers superstar LeBron James, who at age 39 is still playing at an MVP level. James praised his coach’s work ethic and attention to detail after the win over Sacramento.
JJ’s passion is contagious, man. He has us believing we’re more than just a team – we’re a family on a mission. When you see your coach putting in that kind of time, going to those lengths, you can’t help but follow his lead.
LeBron James on JJ Redick
Following Redick’s lead has the Lakers sitting atop the Western Conference and looking every bit the title contender they hoped to be when they handed him the reins. If a trip to the car wash translates to this kind of success, Redick may want to keep his overalls handy all season long.
A New Laker Legacy
In a city and franchise where championship banners are the ultimate measure of success, Redick knows the pressure he faces to deliver. But he’s embracing that challenge with the same maniacal preparation that defined his playing career.
I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I won’t start now. This organization and these players deserve a coach who will outwork everyone else in the building. That’s who I am and that’s who I’ll be for them.
JJ Redick on being the Lakers coach
If his early results and viral car wash moment are any indication, Redick is well on his way to joining the pantheon of legendary Laker leaders. While more conventional film rooms surely await, his resourcefulness and relentlessness are quickly becoming franchise trademarks.
