JJ Redick shakes the NBA with his controversial take on LeBron

JJ Redick became an unexpected protagonist after LeBron James’ historic run ended. The Lakers veteran scored just eight points against Toronto, breaking a streak of 1,297 straight games with at least ten. The news spread quickly across the NBA. Yet what truly fueled the debate was Redick’s dismissive tone.

As Marca reported, the Lakers assistant coach said he was “happy” the streak ended, so people would stop talking about it. That casual remark was enough to set off controversy across social media and sports outlets.

The immediate response to Redick

JJ Redick later tried to soften his words, stressing that LeBron always makes the right play. He pointed to James passing the final shot to Rui Hachimura to secure the win. Still, the initial reaction had already stirred noise. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reminded fans that Redick himself scored ten or fewer points in 322 games. His comment suggested Redick wasn’t the best voice to downplay such a feat.

A day after LeBron’s 10-point streak ends at 1,297 games, JJ Redick says “in some ways, I’m really glad the streak is over so now we can stop talking about it.”
In fairness to the Q, JJ is qualified to talk about the challenge of it as someone who scored 10 or fewer 322 times. 😉 pic.twitter.com/X72MIIOntD

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 5, 2025

McMenamin’s remark kept the spotlight on the streak and turned JJ Redick into the center of a debate that went beyond basketball. What seemed like a quiet end to a record became a national talking point.

A record that deserves respect

With his direct style, JJ Redick raised an uncomfortable question. Are individual marks overrated?. For many, the answer is obvious. Nearly 1,300 games with double-digit scoring is a milestone few could ever touch. The reaction from fans and media showed LeBron’s streak was more than a number. It symbolized consistency and greatness.

Still, JJ Redick insists the Lakers’ collective identity matters most. Confident the team can thrive beyond individual stats, he pushes for a shared approach.

What the controversy leaves behind

Without meaning to, JJ Redick reinforced the value of LeBron’s record. His comment sparked a debate that highlights how hard it is to sustain elite performance for almost two decades. While LeBron James continues to lead with assists and presence, Redick works to build a more team-oriented project. The Lakers, meanwhile, look ready to write a new chapter.

In the end, JJ Redick proved that even a brief phrase can shift the NBA conversation.