Lakers coach makes stern demand of players or else: ‘I’ll take these guys out’

November 2, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers are riding Luka Dončić’s early-season dominance, as the Slovenian guard has elevated his scoring to unprecedented heights, averaging 37.7 points per game over his first six outings. His offensive brilliance has forced defenses into aggressive double-teams, creating frequent 4-on-3 advantages for the Lakers.

However, head coach JJ Redick has grown frustrated with his team’s inability to capitalize on those opportunities, pointing to multiple instances in Sunday’s win over the Toronto Raptors where open three-point attempts were passed up. Redick’s frustration boiled over into a blunt warning: *“I’ll take these guys out”* if the hesitation continues, emphasizing that players must trust their instincts and shoot when open.

The issue stems partly from the Lakers’ roster turnover, with several newcomers still adjusting to the team’s offensive system and the pressure of making an immediate impact. Redick acknowledged the overthinking, noting that players are too focused on avoiding mistakes rather than executing the game plan.

Quentin Grimes has been among the most notable offenders in passing up open shots, though Redick avoided singling out individuals directly. The challenge now is balancing the excitement of Dončić’s playmaking with the team’s collective discipline in finishing strong on easy looks.