When JJ Redick took the job as the Lakers‘ head coach back in June 2024, he knew that he had to adopt a learning curve. After all, it was his first time not only coaching an NBA team, but it was his first time professionally coaching any basketball team! However, 15 seasons worth of experience as an NBA player, along with an almost three-year stint as an ESPN analyst, ensured that he would adjust well. Almost 1 year later, Redick has assumed the best traits of a head coach. This is unfortunate for his former colleagues, as Redick has learned not to divulge too much information when one holds his position.

During the halftime of the recent Lakers-Celtics game, ESPN’s Doris Burke and her co-hosts reached out to an on-court reporter. When asked about what transpired during halftime, the reporter, Lisa, revealed that she asked JJ Redick coming out of the locker room how he believes the Lakers are playing so far.

Redick said the team is “Strong”, even though they gave up too many offensive rebounds early and had problems with the catch-and-shoot 3s to start the game. When asked what can motivate Luka Doncic to play better, Redick reportedly ‘just smiled’ and said, “We are going to try some things in the 2nd half”. Burke certainly had a good laugh over the vague response.

“He’s no longer a colleague,” said Burke about Redick. “He’s no longer giving up anything to good Lisa”.

With his new role as head coach, JJ Redick has to be mindful of how he navigates his relationships—especially when it comes to his former colleagues in the media. The last thing he wants is to be accused of favoritism or leaking key strategies that could be picked apart by rival teams. Any good coach knows that keeping certain details under wraps is part of the job.

That said, Redick hasn’t let his new responsibilities ruin his camaraderie with former colleagues. Back in November 2024, during a Lakers-Spurs game, Richard Jefferson and Ryan Ruocco got a taste of that firsthand. As they interviewed Redick coming out of halftime, the Lakers coach wasted no time trolling them. “There’s nothing I’d rather be doing less than talking to the two of you. I want everybody to know, I want to be very clear on this. I do not like these two gentlemen. I couldn’t even draw up my ATO coming out of the half because I had to do this.”

His job title may have changed, but some bonds—and playful jabs—never do.

JJ Redick’s comments made one thing clear—professional obligations change with the job. But this isn’t the first time he’s hinted at that shift.

From the very start of his tenure as head coach, there were subtle signs that Redick was adjusting to his new reality. The once outspoken analyst, known for breaking down plays on-air, suddenly became far more guarded with his words. His transition from media to coaching wasn’t just about X’s and O’s—it meant navigating a completely different level of strategy, discretion, and responsibility.

JJ Redick praised Doc Rivers during the introductory press conference months after trolling him on ESPN

JJ Redick’s introductory press conference as HC was the first step for him to prove to his critics that he could efficiently manage his new responsibilities. And, at the same time, make some amends.

Back at ESPN, JJ Redick never hesitated to speak his mind. Whether it was praise or criticism, he dissected players and coaches without holding back. One of his more notable moments came in February 2024 when he called out Doc Rivers on First Take during the Bucks’ struggles.

“I’ve seen the trend for years. The trend is always making excuses. Doc, we get it. Taking over a team in the middle of a season is hard. It’s hard. We get it. Just like getting traded in the middle of the season is hard for a player. We get it. But it’s always an excuse. It’s always throwing your team under the bus.”

At the time, it was just another hot take from a media personality. But now? Redick and Rivers share the same profession, even if they’re on opposing sidelines. And with that shift, Redick has had to reassess past criticisms and mend some of the bridges he may have burned.

“There were certainly coaches that I had throughout my career that would say, ‘You’re going to coach someday.’ Doc was probably the first one that did that,” said Redick during the presser. “Doc was such a good motivator. One of the things that I think he is particularly good at is creating a vision, communicating a vision, and then getting you to buy into that vision day after day”.

With JJ Redick stepping into a head coaching role, ESPN lost one of its sharpest analysts—but in return, they gained a new subject to analyze. Now, instead of breaking down plays on air, Redick is the one being scrutinized. That said, everyone has their job to do, and that includes Doris Burke.

If she’s hoping for inside access or exclusive insights from her former colleague, she might need to adjust those expectations. Redick’s priorities have shifted, and as a head coach, keeping strategic details under wraps is just part of the game.