JJ REDICK DEMANDS TY JOHNSON OUT: “HIS LEVEL IS BELOW THIS TEAM!” | Lakers News
Los Angeles, CA — A tense scene unfolded behind closed doors at the Lakers’ practice facility this morning as head coach JJ Redick reportedly erupted in frustration over the performance of newly signed guard Ty Johnson.
According to multiple team sources, Redick didn’t mince words during a team meeting, calling out Johnson’s lack of effort, decision-making, and defensive awareness, saying bluntly:
“This is the Lakers — not a training camp experiment. His level is below what we’re building here.”
Witnesses say Redick’s comments left the locker room stunned but divided — with veterans reportedly agreeing that Johnson has “struggled to catch up” to the pace of the team, while younger players felt the criticism was “too harsh for someone still adjusting to the system.”
The tension reportedly reached a boiling point during scrimmage drills, where Redick stopped practice midway, throwing his clipboard and demanding that Johnson “sit out until he’s ready to play real basketball.”
Ty Johnson, who joined the Lakers on a short-term deal after impressing in the G-League, has yet to publicly respond. However, insiders claim he was visibly shaken, leaving the facility early after the meeting.
This incident could mark a turning point in Redick’s leadership approach — showing that the first-year Lakers coach, once known for his analytical calmness on TV, is willing to be brutally direct behind the scenes in pursuit of championship-level standards.
One team insider summed it up best:
“Redick isn’t playing politics — he’s sending a message. Either raise your level, or you won’t be a Laker for long.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKCpv483ue8