Watch: Lakers' JJ Redick storms out of pregame news conference

When asked if he would rely on his assistant coaches to help with substitutions late, the rookie head coach got, well, edgy. Redick, who played the same five players for the entire second half in Sunday's Game 4 loss, seemed offended by the suggestion.

"Are you saying that because I'm inexperienced?" Redick asked, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head. "That was an inexperienced decision that I made? Do you think I don't talk to my assistants every single timeout about substitutions?"

Redick concluded, "That's a weird assumption" before abruptly walking out.

Perhaps Redick thought he'd inspire his team by his reaction, after talking up the team's need to "play with desperation," down 3-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Maybe Redick thought he conveyed edginess or desperation, but he mainly looked embarrassed to have his strategy questioned. When a first-year coach doesn't make a single substitution in the second half, it's reasonable to ask if he consulted with a more experienced coach about that bold decision, one that didn't work.

Redick has successfully led the Lakers to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but he's also demonstrated a lot of insecurity about implied criticism.

The Lakers ended up suffering the season-ending loss, 103-96.