"It's a fake system" - Ex-Timberwolves guard blames LeBron James & Anthony Davis for JJ Redick losing authority on Lakers

Former Minnesota Timberwolves player Rashad MacCants flamed LeBron James and Anthony Davis for overshadowing LA Lakers coach JJ Redick. Ever since LeBron moved back to the Cleveland Cavaliers for his second run with the team, he became notoriously known as "LeCoach" after seemingly overstepping Tyronn Lue's authority.

It appears that people still view James in the same light as Rashad McCants said that Redick has lost his authority on Sunday on the "Gil's Arena" podcast because he's friends with James and Davis. Rashad then pointed out that if LBJ and AD weren't around, that's when Redick would become a true coach.

"It ain't the players man, it's JJ (Redick)," McCants said. "He's not putting down authority amongst the team. (Redick) is not placing accountability. ... He would be able to coach the (LA Lakers) if we took (James and Davis) out of it. ... It's a fake system you have to put in just for them two."

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LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to flourish under JJ Redick's leadership

While there is some truth behind Rashad McCants' sentiments regarding LA Lakers coach JJ Redick being too friendly with his team, the Purple and Gold have had a much better season compared to their previous one under Darvin Ham.

Looking at the Lakers' standings as of January 2025, they've consistently remained in the playoff picture, maintaining their spot in sixth place in the Western Conference. LA has a 22-17 record and is one win away from either tying or overtaking their counterpart, the LA Clippers. The teams play on Sunday night.

Despite the criticism they constantly face in their career, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are undoubtedly the two other people to thank, aside from coach Redick, for the Lakers' recent success.

Davis has done a good job of remaining healthy for the majority of the season and has carried his team on most occasions. AD is averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. As for the King, despite already being 40 years old, he's still on top of his game, being able to carry the Lakers when Davis can't. James is averaging 23.8 ppg, 8.8 apg and 7.5 rpg.

Having all that in mind, all the LA Lakers need to do now is remain consistent and try to climb the ranks so they can secure a better position for the 2025 NBA playoffs in April.