Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Legend Makes Opinion of JJ Redick Very Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 8:00 AM ET

Pat Riley is widely regarded as one of the best coaches the Los Angeles Lakers ever had. Regarded as the brains behind the Showtime Lakers, he understands how to run a successful basketball team full of stars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and more.

His experience with the Purple and Gold in the 1980s proved crucial. He also led the New York Knicks and Miami Heat to successful regular-season campaigns. Riley also was the architect of the Dwyane Wade-LeBron James Heatles of the early 2010s that won a pair of championships.

The impressive resume he built for himself is the reason many take his thoughts on the game of basketball seriously. Lakers fans will be delighted to hear what their former tactician has to say about the man currently roaming the sidelines.

Los Angeles Lakers former coach Pat Riley and wife Chris Rodstrom watch as a statue of Riley is unveiled at the Crypto.com Arena.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Pat Riley Says JJ Redick Is a Great Fit for the Lakers

Riley was asked during the unveiling of his statue on Sunday about his thoughts on his former team's head coach. The 80-year-old basketball executive didn't hold back with his praise for head coach JJ Redick.

"I love JJ, I really do," Riley replied when asked about the former Duke Blue Devils star, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "He's a fiery guy. He could shoot the hell out of the ball. He was tough as nails. ... Sometimes I look back and I remember myself at that time, and I look at JJ and I think they picked the right person. There's just a quality about him I think that goes above and beyond."

Riley also raved about the team Lakers GM and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka assembled for Redick.

"And they have a hell of a team for him right here, right now with [Luka] Dončić and [Austin] Reaves and obviously with LeBron [James]. And so, I think Rob will continue with the new ownership to build that team and to complement those players. But they have a great opportunity, and I think JJ will be a great coach for it," Riley said.

The Redick-led Lakers are ranked fifth in the Western Conference with a 34-22 record. They are leading the league in field goal percentage at 49.8%. They are also ranked 11th in offensive rating at 116.

The Lakers return to action at home against the Orlando Magic at 10:30 p.m. ET Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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