Lakers Star Disagrees with Head Coach, Sparks Social Media Backlash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Feb 7, 2025 7:25 PM ET

JJ Redick and Athony Davis strongly disagree over the value of analytics. Veteran Anthony Davis made it clear on Wednesday that he strongly disagrees with Redick, saying:

"It doesn't matter to me," Davis said after being told his head coach is very interested in analytics. "What matters is we have more points than the other team at the end of a game. That's all I care about. These things that they come up with, as far as analytics. ... It doesn't even matter. It has no importance to me whatsoever."

While Redick and Davis are on good terms, Davis is (of course) facing unnecessary backlash on social media from fans who think he's being narrow-minded.

Celtics just went 80-21 worshipping analytics. Whole team bought in. This lakers team needs to buy in too
— Anti Chicago Sports (@antichicagospor) October 3, 2024

That said, other fans have taken his side:

Given his lack of coaching experience, fans are going to be especially critical of JJ Redick for the entire 2024-2025 season. Lakers fans can be brutal, so he's going to have to fight an uphill battle against his.

The value of analytics in basketball is hotly debated and it it seems that Davis and Redick are on opposing sides.

Lakers have won only two playoff series since their last title. It's clear that their strategy has to change. Whether fans like him or not, Redick is determined to prove that he's the change the Lakers need.

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

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