Amid raging outcry, JJ Redick makes his feelings clear on Kings' decision to fire coach Mike Brown 

LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick commented on the Sacramento Kings' decision to fire coach Mike Brown. Redick and the Lakers are the Kings' first opponents since Brown's dismissal, with assistant coach Doug Christie taking over the role.

Speaking to reporters before Saturday's game, Redick was asked about his thoughts on Brown being handed the pink slip. The former player admitted that being a coach in the NBA is a tough job, but he admired the two-time Coach of the Year.

"Of course, I have a great deal of respect for Mike as a human and as a coach," Redick said, according to Lakers Nation's Daniel Starkland. "I knew this when I decided to do this, it's a tough profession. It’s a tough profession for job security, but it's what we signed up for."

"I don't have any sort of inside knowledge of what led to that, but I believe Mike Brown is an excellent basketball coach, and he's someone who, like a lot of coaches, have given their life to this game. And I have just the utmost respect for him."

Despite what happened, JJ Redick wants the LA Lakers to be ready for the Sacramento Kings under coach Doug Christie. Redick explained that some teams or players will have a renewed energy once a change is made, so he's expecting it to happen on Saturday night.

"There are numerous examples throughout the NBA where a player gets traded, a player gets released, coach is fired mid-season and a team has a new energy and there's like this instant sort of boost to the aura. Going into this game, we're expecting to get their best."

Redick had to make adjustments regardless of Brown's firing since LeBron James was ruled out due to an unspecified illness. James will be turning 40 years old on Monday night.

---

JJ Redick confident about Lakers roster if healthy

JJ Redick confident about Lakers roster if healthy. (Photo: IMAGN)

The LA Lakers entered Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings with a 17-13 record. The Lakers are sitting sixth in the Western Conference standings ahead of teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

Lakers coach JJ Redick is confident about his team's chances of making a lot of noise as long as they remain healthy. While their front office is reportedly trying to improve the roster, Redick believes they can contend with their current crop of players.

"Rob and I talk all the time, but my focus is on coaching this group and trying to maximize this group," Redick said on Friday, according to Lakers Nation.

"Frankly, I have belief that when this group is healthy, we can compete. If there's a move to be made, there's a move to be made. But I'm focused on this group."

Redick is still adjusting to his first season as a head coach. He's not just in charge of an NBA team, but one of the most popular franchises, with a lot of media and fan pressure.