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Magic Johnson's Message on JJ Redick Sparks Heated Discussion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 8:28 AM ET

NBA icon Magic Johnson did not hold back in his assessment of JJ Redick's coaching in the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Not only did Johnson call the Lakers' display in the playoff opener one of their "worst performances" this season, but he also criticized Redick for not doing a good job in the contest. The Purple and Gold trailed by as many as 27 points before losing 117-95.

Luka Doncic had a game-high 37 points, but no other Laker scored more than 20. They struggled offensively, hitting below 40 percent of their field goals, including from beyond the arc.

In contrast, the Timberwolves shot at least 50 percent from the field and from the 3-point line.

"Coach JJ Redick did a great job all season but he didn’t do a good job for Game 1," Johnson said of Redick. "The Lakers stood around on offense, played too much one-on-one basketball, and he didn’t make any necessary adjustments."

Coach JJ Redick did a great job all season but he didn’t do a good job for Game 1. The Lakers stood around on offense, played too much one-on-one basketball, and he didn’t make any necessary adjustments.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 20, 2025

Interestingly, Magic Johnson's take sparked a flurry of reactions. While many agreed with him and shared their own criticisms of JJ Redick, others came to the defense of the Lakers coach.

"Defensive effort was absolutely atrocious," a critic pointed out. Another one commented on Johnson's post and said, "JJ looked like a podcast host, not a playoff coach. Let’s hope Game 2 comes with adjustments, not monologues."

"They played like they didn’t want to win, which sounds ridiculous," a disappointed viewer added.

A supporter, however, told Johnson to cut Redick some slack since it's his first playoff game as an NBA head coach. Others also questioned why Johnson had to call him out.

"Tweeting this seems counterproductive. What is your intent?" a commenter asked. Another fan had a similar sentiment, noting, "Why you gotta call Coach out like that?"

A fourth follower passionately defended Redick, adding, "Fair criticism but [expletive] it’s his first game of the playoffs as a coach. Give the guy a [expletive] break ! I have faith in what this coaching staff tapped into with this team during the season and am confident you’ll see a different team come G2.

It remains to be seen what kind of adjustments Redick will make in Game 2 on Tuesday, but sure enough, Johnson will be watching closely.

The Lakers host the Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena once again before the playoff series shifts to Minnesota.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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