Lakers HC JJ Redick Shreds Major NBA Honor, 'I Hate That Award'

The Lakers coach went in hard on the league accolade.

Mar 29, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

During his broadcasting days, now-first-year Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick was known for his hot takes.

That seems to continue to be the case even in his current situation.

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When asked during a recent team practice what he thought about Lakers guard Austin Reaves' chances for netting this year's Most Improved Player award, Redick went off on the entire concept of the honor — or, at least, what that honor has become.

Hard to disagree with JJ Redick here on the NBA Most Improved Player award: pic.twitter.com/xUJVMTdzil

— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) April 2, 2025

"I hate that award, 'cause they failed to define it. And I think the spirit of it has been taken out of wack. I don't like that award," Redick said. "Just call it the 'High Draft Pick, He's On a Max Contract, And Now He's An All-Star' [Award], just call it that award. Who's that guy? 'Cause that's what it's become."

This year, that seems to be an allusion to Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham, a first-time All-Star on a 42-34 playoff team.

Per Vegas Insiders, new Atlanta Hawks addition Dyson Daniels is generally considered the favorite across U.S.-based betting platforms, followed by Cunningham. Reaves ranks third on many sites, ahead of Denver Nuggets swingman Christian Braun and L.A. Clippers center Ivica Zubac.

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Reaves, 26, is averaging career highs of 19.9 points on .455/.360/.884 shooting splits, 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals a night across 67 contests.

"Am I wrong?" Redick asked. "I don't think that's the spirit of the award."

Reporters followed up with a question about whether Redick felt Reaves deserved the honor over the other perceived favorites.

"He's not gonna win it, so it's a moot point," Redick complained.

At 46-29, the Lakers are currently the No. 3 seed in a chippy Western Conference, mere percentage points above the No. 4-seeded Denver Nuggets (47-30). On Thursday night, Los Angeles will square off against the 44-31 Golden State Warriors, whom they lead by just two points in the West standings.

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