The NBA has evolved significantly over the years, not just in terms of gameplay but also in its approach to officiating. One of the most notable changes has been the introduction of the Last 2-Minute (L2M) report, aimed at increasing transparency and holding referees accountable for their mistakes. However, new Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is not a fan of the Last 2-Minute report, questioning its effectiveness and suggesting improvements to the replay system.
Redick’s Critique of the L2M Report
In a recent interview with Hasan Minhaj, Redick shared his thoughts on the L2M report, expressing his dissatisfaction with the league’s approach. While he acknowledged that referees are human and prone to errors, he questioned the value of the L2M report. “The intent there is for transparency; I think the intent is correct. But does it solve any problem? No. Does it make anybody feel any better?” Redick remarked. He pointed out that even when the league admits to a mistake, it does little to change the outcome or make fans feel better about a loss.
JJ Redick used specific examples to illustrate his point, including a situation where a foul was missed during a crucial moment in a game, and the Last 2-Minute report later confirmed the error. For Redick, this confirmation adds no value since the mistake is already apparent to everyone watching the game.
Suggestions for Improving Instant Replay
Beyond his critique of the L2M report, Redick also proposed changes to the NBA’s replay system. He highlighted instances where a replay clearly shows a foul that wasn’t called, but nothing can be done about it because the play isn’t reviewable under current rules. “There’s some stuff where we see something happening in a replay, and they’re reviewing the replay for something else, and it’s blatantly obvious that this one thing happened, but it’s not reviewable,” Redick explained.
He suggested that the league could tweak the rules to allow for certain non-reviewable plays to be reconsidered when they are evident during a review for another issue. While it’s unclear if the league will consider Redick’s suggestions, his ideas reflect a growing sentiment among coaches and players that the current system could be improved.
Redick Finalizes Lakers Coaching Staff
Despite his concerns with the NBA’s current officiating systems, Redick is pressing forward with his new role as head coach of the Lakers. He has finalized his coaching staff for the 2024-25 season, achieving a balance of experience and innovation. The staff includes former NBA head coaches Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan as lead assistants, along with seasoned assistants Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean. Lindsey Harding, last year’s G League Coach of the Year, and Beau Levesque, a player development coach, round out the team. Michael Wexler has been named head video coordinator.
As Redick prepares for his debut season as a head coach, his ideas and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the Lakers’ future, both on and off the court.
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