JJ Redick is just what the Lakers fans prayed for. The hype train isn’t stopping anytime soon, and why should it? The Lakers are on a 4-0 streak, and they’re 8-0 in the NBA Cup. The latest one came against the Spurs thanks to Anthony Davis’ dominant performance and yet another triple-double from LeBron James. So this was an opportune moment for Redick’s former broadcast colleagues to have friendly banter and the HC’s response was the last thing they expected.

During half-time of the game, JJ Redick donned his old familiar headsets for a courtside interview with Richard Jefferson and Ryen Ruocco. After Ryen shot a question about his coaching, JJ said, “I just wanna be clear on this, guys. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing less than talking to the two of you. I want everybody to know. I wanna be very clear on this. I do not like these 2 gentlemen. I couldn’t even drop my ATO coming out of the half because I had to do this.”

Jefferson had a priceless reaction to this while Ryen continued laughing. The former Cavs star was speechless while JJ continued his banter. The video was posted on IG by NBA On ESPN and Ruocco revealed the love-hate dynamic between the trio. “😂😂😂😂 He doesn’t like us. He loves us”, the commentator wrote in the comments.

In his 3-year experience as an ESPN commentator, Redick fostered a brotherly bond with his colleagues. Seeing Redick doing well on the sidelines surely makes them happy as he continues to defy doubters. But the banter didn’t stop. During the game, Jefferson had a hilarious punch line in store for the Lakers HC.

JJ Redick gets trolled by former ESPN colleague

Coming into the game, JJ Redick had a 75% win record, so there’s no doubt about his fantastic start to the HC role. But no matter how successful you’re, your friends will always throw insults at you and, for Redick, no exception was made. During the NBA Cup game, Jefferson was asked whether he became familiar seeing Redick on the bench.

“Yes… because the last few years of his career he was sitting on the bench anyway, so I’ve gotten used to it,” Jefferson joked, much to the amusement of Ruocco. “I’m more familiar with JJ sitting on the bench.” Probably a pre-planned line written on the game notes. Redick probably heard that standing so close to the commentary booth and hence the retaliation during halftime.

But now the focus shifts towards New Orleans Pelicans. Another road game awaits JJ Redick’s side and their form away from LA hasn’t been the best by any stretch of imagination. But looking at the overall form, a win for the Lakers wouldn’t be too much to ask. Perhaps a loss will give his former desk buddies some more punchlines. Though, it’s highly doubtful if the Lakers fans will want anything of that at the expense of a loss.