Lakers Legend Wants JJ Redick & Co To Indulge In $1.1B Fast Food Joint & Long Road Trip To End Embarrassing Streak
via Imago
“We were on a break!” Ross Geller’s infamous plea from Friends might resonate with the Lakers faithful right about now. Unfortunately, unlike Ross and Rachel, JJ Redick & Co.’s current “break” from winning isn’t setting up a romantic comeback – just more heartbreak. A humiliating 41-point loss to the Miami Heat tonight marked their second consecutive blowout, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s grit and identity.
The ‘Sunshine State’ handed the Lakers their most lopsided loss of the season, 134-93, in a game that exposed every crack in the team’s foundation. Jimmy Butler & Co., firing on all cylinders, set season-highs in points, assists (42), and three-pointers made (24). LeBron James contributed as best as he could, but the team’s lack of depth and an absolute off-night from Anthony Davis (8 points in 31 minutes!) left them vulnerable against a fully loaded Heat squad.
And when James Worthy joined Allie Clifton to discuss the “embarrassing” night post-game, the former had quite the unorthodox suggestion for the Lakers squad to regroup and rediscover their identity.
“They need to get on the bus tonight and get some White Castle burgers and drive to Atlanta. They need to think about who they are and what they need to do because what they are doing right now, it ain’t even close to Laker basketball!” the Lakers legend stated.
The iconic $1.1 billion fast-food chain mention definitely elicited some laughs, but his message also carries a tone of urgency. Worthy’s plea underscored just how far the legendary basketball dynasty has strayed from the standards of Laker basketball. Moreover, ‘Big Game James’ detailed it wasn’t just about talent – it’s about effort and pride!
Something the Purple & Gold seems to forget of late.
A night to forget for JJ Redick & Co.
A creative suggestion wasn’t all that James Worthy offered to his former home. The 63-year-old did not hide his disappointment at all. “It’s really … no words to explain it other than it’s embarrassing,” Worthy said, seemingly at a loss for words. And his frustration behind the speechlessness wasn’t misplaced, either.
As Clifton noted, the Heat outscored the Lakers by a staggering 57 points from beyond the arc—thanks to their 24 made threes compared to the Lakers’ abysmal three-point shooting performance, where they managed only five. It was a glaring testament to Los Angeles’ complete lack of defensive presence on the perimeter.
Worthy made it clear that while offensive off-nights do happen, “if you are not challenging mentally and physically, they’re gonna run over you.” And that’s exactly what Miami did. JJ echoed similar sentiments, offering an introspective take on the team’s struggles.
“This is my team, and I lead it, and I’m embarrassed,” he admitted. Redick also emphasized the need for accountability on the court, stating, “There’s not a sense from me that we’re together right now. … Doesn’t feel that way. And again, we’re in a tough stretch. And we’re all trying to find it.”
JJ Redick's full quote on his message to the Lakers tonight. Was a doozy. pic.twitter.com/jg5Tr8m6S9
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 5, 2024
JJ Redick’s full quote on his message to the Lakers tonight. Was a doozy. pic.twitter.com/jg5Tr8m6S9
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 5, 2024
For a coach who prides on preparation and teamwork, JJ Redick’s words highlighted the deeper issue, one that Worthy already noted: the Lakers don’t need to just fix their execution, they NEED to rediscover their identity.
With a tough schedule ahead and the Hawks waiting in Atlanta, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads. Whether they take Worthy’s advice and indulge in some literal and figurative soul-searching—or Redick’s plea for cohesion—one thing’s certain. It’s time for this team to start delivering the fight the Laker basketball demands.
For now, though, the Purple & Gold faithful can only hope their next road trip comes with more bite than bark.
