George Karl Slams Lakers, JJ Redick Following Surprising Playoff Exit

Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick lobbies for possession due to a Minnesota Timberwolves player kicking the ball in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers 2024-25 season ended Wednesday night when the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated them in five games.

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The Lakers were outmatched by the more physical, bigger, and explosive Timberwolves team. Entering the series, the Lakers were the favorites, but the Timberwolves proved to be too much for L.A., who were punished by Minnesota big time.

The Lakers’ shortcomings in size and physicality ultimately doomed a team that entered the postseason with lofty expectations. As the franchise prepares to turn the page, others around the league haven’t hesitated to poke fun at L.A.’s early exit, including former NBA Coach of the Year George Karl.

Following the Lakers' elimination, Karl took to X and fired off a jab aimed at both the team and JJ Redick, continuing a trend he's become known for on social media.

"Maybe previous coaching experience does matter to be a head coach in the NBA," said Karl.

Maybe previous coaching experience does matter to be a head coach in the NBA

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) May 1, 2025

This is the first of many times Karl has taken a dig at the Lakers. Karl rushes to X more often than not to give his take on the Lakers, and it is normally negative.

This time, he targeted Redick, who had just completed his first-ever season coaching. Redick was under the microscope from the start, considering he is coaching the Lakers and his lack of previous coaching experience.

That was the worry with many entering this season, and for many, that reared its ugly head this series. The Lakers are heading home early this postseason for many reasons, and many will shift that blame on Redick.

When it was all said and done, Redick did what he could with the pieces he had. The Lakers’ roster had clear flaws, and while they showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, sustaining that level took an enormous amount of effort—ultimately proving too difficult to manage for a small Lakers team.

Sure, there were opportunities for Redick to make further adjustments, but given the hand he was dealt, he did his best to navigate an imperfect situation.

While this series certainly wasn't Redick's finest work, there is no doubt that he will be at the helm for L.A. next season and possibly beyond, barring anything catastrophic.

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