The Lakers, led by head coach JJ Redick, had a strong start. With a three-game winning streak, the Lakers were building solid goodwill. But it didn’t last long. Both the team and Redick are now facing criticism again. However, The Shooting Sage still has someone supporting him- his former teammate Matt Barnes, who has silenced the harsh critics with a revelation.

The former Lakers star, who spent considerable time with the Duke legend, assured skeptics that the criticism wouldn’t deter Redick. Barnes says Redick has been working tirelessly, pushing the team forward. He praised Redick for empowering players and encouraging their development. Despite the team’s struggles, Barnes believes Redick will have a successful year with the Lakers.

“He doesn’t give a s*** about criticism. He played in the NBA long enough and been a star for long enough to let it go in one ear and out the other,” Barnes told TMZ Sports. The team’s defensive struggles have been visible. It has been more notable in the absence of Anthony Davis, who has been performing at his best, averaging 32.6 points per game. Rui Hachimura was also out due to illness.

Some have argued that LeBron James has been carrying the team. DeMarcus Cousins echoed the same, noting that veteran players are shouldering much of the load. James recorded his third triple-double of the season, scoring 19 points in just 25 minutes. Meanwhile, Davis, who left the last game against the Raptors early due to an eye injury, contributed 22 points.

After a 123-103 win over the Raptors, the team is set to face the Grizzlies again with high hopes. Will they be able to turn the tables this time? The Lakers lost their previous match-up against the Grizzlies 131-114.

Matt Barnes had high hopes for JJ Redick 

Redick’s disappointment with the team was visible in the post-game conference after the Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies. Perhaps that is what Barnes imagined when Redick was announced as the Lakers’ coach.

Redick’s former teammate was quite confident about the new head coach despite his lack of experience. He believes that hiring Redick will bring a fresh perspective to the game and fully supports that. Furthermore, in a conversation, Barnes explained how Redick is very straightforward about his opinion and that it might help him get along with the players while maintaining his position as a coach.

“I think JJ is a great basketball mind. I think he’s very creative, but again, I think he can bridge that gap of communication with younger and older players, and JJ can be an a****le when he needs to be,” Redick said on Pardon My Take.

After spending time together playing for the Clippers from 2013 to 2015, Barnes is well aware of what Redick will bring. While he is confident that Redick won’t be bothered by the criticism, Barnes still jumped in to defend and support his friend.