‘He Was Horrible’ — JJ Redick Gets Brutally Honest About Former Lakers Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers , along with the rest of the NBA, are more than ready to kick off the 2026-27 season in October. Of course, the Lakers and head coach JJ Redick have some bigger fish to fry — make the playoffs and win without LeBron James on the team.

And while LA has Luka Dončić to rely on, Redick also has to manage the rest of their roster. This includes players competing for spots and multiple training sessions, which require the coach to be honest about what's needed for their franchise.

Lakers HC JJ Redick Gets Candid About 'Horrible' Former Guard

In a recent media interaction before the NBA preseason kicks off, Redick was asked about competition for spots during training camps and the effort required to balance the roster so the team stays together.

The reporter also mentioned Redick's stint as an NBA player, which offered a different perspective on the matter. And while Redick didn't deny the competitive spirit, he didn't think the system was about balancing things.

"I don't think that there's finding a balance," Redick told the reporter. "I think it's about creating competition. Recognizing that every guy is going to have an opportunity throughout the season. That's just the reality of the NBA now."

Getting specific about his explanation, Redick zeroed in on Max Christie , a former Lakers guard currently with the Dallas Mavericks .

"Max Christie, our first year, was in the rotation," Redick said. "He was horrible to start the year. We told him that he wasn't doing what we asked him to do. He didn't play."

Redick explained that it was only when Christie put in the work that he started earning his minutes. "And then, when he got back into the rotation, he eventually earned a starting spot and he turned our season around."

The Lakers' head coach doubled down on his initial statement, adding that the league is competitive by nature. "This is a meritocracy. If anybody tells you otherwise, it's [expletive]."

Currently with the Mavericks, Christie was a second-round pick by the Lakers. Eventually becoming a reliable role player for the team, he was traded to the Mavericks during the league-altering Dončić trade in 2025.

During media day , the 23-year-old admitted he is excited about a growing role in Dallas, adding that he has been working on his skills and hopes to stay in his best shape this season.

That being said, Lake Show Life's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk hinted at the possibility of the Lakers reuniting with Christie.

"Meanwhile, over in Dallas, Christie could enter unrestricted free agency next summer," Rovenchuk wrote . "All that he would need to do is decline his $8.9 million player option for 2027-28. Austin Reaves gave back money on his new extension. Sandro Mamukelashvili took a second-year dip on his new deal. That should give the Lakers access to the money necessary to pursue a reunion in free agency."

The Mavericks, however, might not be willing to let a young player walk away — especially as they could build a core team around Cooper Flagg .

The Lakers will start their campaign with a preseason clash with the Sacramento Kings on Monday, October 5. The Mavericks will begin their preseason with a game against the Houston Rockets on October 9 in China.

The Lakers and Mavericks will face each other during the regular season on Sunday, February 28, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.