JJ Redick furious after LeBron James shot-clock violation: ‘Shoot the f–king ball’

There's a new sheriff in Los Angeles, and he's not afraid to let the town's biggest gun know it. 

After LeBron James failed to get a shot off and the Lakers incurred a shot-clock violation during their game in Phoenix on Monday, the broadcast cut to an impassioned JJ Redick yelling from the sideline at his superstar to "shoot the f–king ball!" 

The 40-year-old rookie head coach — No. 29 in franchise history — was hired in June 2024 to lead the Lakers and James, 39, in what figures to be the final chapter of his career.

And though coaches who previously manned the King's sideline often appeared afraid to truly coach the 20-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, Redick, at least thus far in the young season, is harboring no such insecurities.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts during a loss to the Suns on Oct. 28, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con LeBron James reacts during the Lakers' loss to the Suns on Oct. 28, 2024. Getty Images

Through their first three games with Redick at the helm, the Lake Show rattled off three consecutive wins at home against Minnesota, Phoenix and Sacramento. 

Redick's profane explosion, which came in the Lakers' first loss of the season and their first on the road, occurred with about eight minutes remaining in the second quarter.

From the game broadcast, it's not clear whether James was unaware of the dwindling shot clock or if he actively decided against putting up the basketball because he didn't have a clean look and didn't want to hurt his shooting percentage. 

LeBron James (l.) and JJ Redick (r.) USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

James didn't seem handcuffed at any other point in the game, though he only hit 3 of 14 from the floor and 2-for-5 from beyond the arc; James finished with 11 points — the least among Lakers' starters. 

Though Los Angeles was leading 36-34 at the time of the turnover, Phoenix went on to win, 109-105.

Both the Lakers and Suns now sit at 3-1. 

Prior to assuming the head coaching gig in Los Angeles, Redick had a 15-year playing career of his own that included stints with the Magic, Clippers, 76ers, Pelicans, Bucs and Mavericks.

And, the word at the car wash is he's just as dedicated in his role now as he was during his playing days. 

The Lakers will look to get back into the win column when they take on the Cavaliers on Wednesday.