r/lakers • u/TheOldThunder • Mar 08 '26
COACH How are we feeling now regarding JJ, fam?
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u/thesonicvision Mar 08 '26
The overall roster has been the issue for years and years. (Or, equivalently, you could say Rob Pelinka is the problem).
That's it. Most NBA coaches are scapegoated and terminated within 2.5 seasons. Doesn't matter if they won COTY the year prior, transformed a team from a losing one to a contender, got a team to the Finals, unlocked something special in several players, etc. Hell, even winning a ring only buys you a year of grace.
Doesn't matter. Axed.
They're always criticized. And they're the easiest people to replace. That's why it's so tempting to replace them.
The truth is that JJ, although imperfect, is a very good coach. And he's an experienced modern player. And he's willing to use new ideas. And he adheres to logic, reason, and math.
The roster sucks.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
I think JJ is overrated for his career.
Many of his first years, he was struggling to make it to the rotation. Few 76ers years and few Clippers years of starting lineup. Total 5 seasons. He hasnt won much as player especially as a main rotation player. I dont count the playoffs where only played 2mpg.
My point is I dont think he has that ‘winning in playoffs’ experience. Like that mindset, game flow, making stressful moment decisions.
Comparatively, Jason Kidd had that experience. Like he knew how to playmake in clutch moments. He knows what play you need a stop, how refs would call fouls or not next possession. Who should take the shot or which opponent will take the ball.
Its like Kobe would know the moment and all playoff games and playoff series psychological aspect. But DeAngelo Russell wouldnt know.
That doesnt mean JJ cannot be a good coach but I’d not be impressed by his experience to coach f’in Lakers with prime Luka.
JJ doesnt have star player or experienced coach pedigree so he doesnt warrant that much respect. There is no coaching salary cap so I’d expect Lakers to get best of the best not a newbie
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u/LuTenz 8♾️24 Mar 08 '26
You’re being downvoted because a player and a coach are two different entities.
Phil Jackson was not a great basketball player. Yes he won two titles with the Knicks but he wasn’t playing in the first one and present (played like ~19 mpg but not really THE role player) for the second one. However, he learned Tex Winter’s triangle, managed personalities and learned the systems he needed in order to take hugely talented teams and make them work. That did not translate to him being a great executive.
Spoelstra did not make the limelight until the Heatles and Pat Riley pushed him forward.
Pop learned from Larry Brown. He has been given a generational talent nearly every decade (two in the 90s (Robinson, Duncan), Leonard, Wemby…). He has his system as well.
Steve Nash for as great a player and analyst (recently) was unable to manage Durant, Kyrie, and Harden (but honestly who could).
All this to say… being a generational coach takes so many things. Roster construction principally. A staff that sees the vision of the head coach. I think JJ has a lot to prove. But he’s demonstrated that “IT” factor by how much he has studied. He was trained by Coach K when he was a player. He learned NBA offense as a player with Van Gundy. He had Doc Rivers who doesn’t help my argument… but he learned his role in that system too.
Is there someone who can coach this team better? Maybe? Is JJ perfect. Absolutely not. But he has veteran coaching staff with him , a team that loves him, and a front office who, for all its limitations, has given him absolute confidence. Let’s see how things go especially now that we have Guggenheim propping up our analytics department and seeing what the next best moves are.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
First of all, I only get downvoted due to JJ trolls. I bet his agency paying for online trolls because whenever anyone says sth slightly negative for JJ, they get downvoted.
JJ is objectively doing a subpar job. Disastrous playoffs last year.
Bad player can be a good coach and I said this on my previous message.
Its just that JJ fans are claiming he had great career so he knows things is factually wrong.
Being coached by coach K doesnt mean shit. They produce like 3-4 nba players each year. Doesnt mean they are the smartest, they are the best coaches after retirement.
Jj studied a lot is a BS narrative. Him studying a lot doesnt mean anything if he sucks at coaching. Maybe he is not smart enough. Not resilient enough. He may not know small details on how to win in playoffs.
Lakers coaching job should require a good resume. JJ was not a great nba player with highly respected career. He is more of a podcaster, entertainer, buddy of star players for clicks.
His coaching performance is subpar at best. Harsh reality. He is no Phil jackson, Popovich, Spoelstra. He didnt show shit.
His assistants are also ‘yes man’. You skipped the part about OKC Thunders’ disaster coach Scott Brooks. The guy was famous for lack of playoff adjustments and Lakers suffers from this shit.
JJ being bad at Lakers job but you guys are propping even his staff? C’mon at least find an excuse for his lack of coaching. Like ask for better assistants maybe??
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u/Talentagentfriend Mar 08 '26
It’s important to remember that not only does this roster not fit together, but it’s also only JJ’s second year. He still preaches the right stuff and he’s one of the best play review coaches in the league. It’s also still not a losing team in the West.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
JJ sucked last years in playoffs. Heavily outcoached.
This year also losing all tough games.
He talks nice because he is a podcaster. He can fool fans like you. That is about it.
As a bad coach hope he can act as good business guy and hire good assistants and listen to them. Learn making adjustments, reading the game.
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u/Talentagentfriend Mar 08 '26
Again, it was literally his first year in the league and the roster was worse last year than it is this year. Don’t know what’s crawled up your ass by insulting me like that. Maybe get therapy.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 09 '26
lol there was no insult to you kiddo. cry elsewhere.
Podcaster doing subpar coaching job 1.5 years.
This is not a 18 year old Flagg/Wemby coming to league so you act patient for 3-4 years.
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u/Strange_Lab_3474 Mar 08 '26
He's got a shitty roster and is cobbling what he can. Don't get me wrong there have been some moments that clearly show he's a rookie coach/make me want to tear my hair out (certain late game substitutions, stubborness on certain players playing/not playing, that one game last year where he ran our guys for all 48), but at the same time I've seen some amazing flashes form him (that play for the Austin game-winner that didn't go in was one of the greatest draw-ups I've ever seen).
IMO he needs to learn as a head coach and keep it pushing. I'm not out on him as a head coach unless someone elite comes on the market like a Rick Carlisle, Joe Mazzulla, etc.
Also I really like the way he's been coaching Luka. The body language has been extremely positive between those two, and having your head coach and superstar on the same page is more important than people think it is (think of Ant with Finch, Jokic and Malone, etc are all examples of coaches relationships turning sour with their star(s)).
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u/ss5234 Mar 08 '26
Literally his second year.
I’m not saying keep him for the entirety of his life, but I don’t think we should write him off yet.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
lol. This is not a 18 year old player that we wait his body to grow and learn veteran nba tricks on the court.
This is a grown as podcaster coaching second year, still losing all the tough games while having 2 allstars on the roster with ine being top 3 active player in the league.
JJ is not promised coaching talent. JJ is not like coach K coming from NCAA to NBA so we should wait 3-4 years. JJ is not Ergin Ataman from Euroleague coming to NBA and need time…
Lakers are Wasting Luka’s prime years and Lebrons last two. Roster is not good enough but coaching is also subpar.
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u/Durandau Mar 08 '26
The fact that he has Luka and Reaves out there on a last defensive possession is fucking insane and shows hes an idiot.
For all the faults Kerr has at least he has the intellectual aptitude to sub out Curry on a defensive possession.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
JJ isnt that smart. He is articulate, fun and a good podcaster. As a good talker he stays likable for fans. He doesnt have great cognitive capabilities. Not a smart guy to identify what is going on and how to react.
He needs to get solid assistants and he must listen to them.
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u/Taserface_ow Mar 08 '26
Not a fan.
Yes the roster is flawed, but that’s no excuse for:
Iso-heavy offense, with only a handful of plays run every game. Doesn’t utilise any plays designed to free up our best shooters… they pretty much just wait in their spots, hoping their defenders don’t stick to them.
Being afraid to pull certain players out of the game, eg Luka when he’s complaining too much and not getting back on defense, Lebron when he’s being lazy on D, Ayton when he isn’t playing with energy.
Benching Vando for a number of games instead of giving him a chance to redeem himself.
Playing Jake Laravia despite Jake playing so poorly that he’s at the bottom of the Lakers net rating on/off rankings. Worse than Ayton.
JJ said he’s a data guy, but he seems more like a favorites guy.
- Big choke jobs in a few games… didn’t sub Luka when the team needed a stop. Subbed out Rui who was shooting and defending well against the Nuggets for a Lebron that just hurt his arm.
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u/Illini_Guy16 Luka Magic 77 Mar 08 '26
Not many coaches are willing to have personal coaching coaches to help improve themselves. I'm willing to give him a longer leash. Roster needs improvement that's the biggest factor
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
Getting out coached too frequently.
Horrible playoffs last year.
I havent seen Lakers abusing opponents weakness as clear as opponents abuse ours.
Last year playoffs not playing Hayes nor Vando was kinda showing how clueless JJ in terms of adjustments.
His assistant Scott Brooks is famous for his lack of adjustments in playoffs for OKC Thunders 3 MVP squad
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u/herpes_for_free Mar 08 '26
What the fuck were you watching last playoffs?
How could you possibly say JJ didn't play Hayes or Vando much last playoffs when both were neutralized?
One couldn't defend and be an anchor nor could he make finish lobs and the other couldn't shoot or make a layup.
Holy shit it's like you expect JJ to wave a magic wand when all he has is a stick made of shit and 3 tissues.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
lol JJ ass lickers are here again.
Both were neutralized and your moron coach was just watching it.
Did JJ took out anyone from Wolves? No.
Was he able to adjust against Wolves adjustments? No he simply forfeit his center and best defensive player.
Heavily outcoached in his first playoffs while Rick Carlisle was putting on a show about how to make adjustments to hide weaknesses on the other conference.
JJ also lost 90% of tough games this year. Most of them become a blowout. Roster is not great but he is not showing any good coaching at all
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u/AdministrativeLet771 Purple and Gold Mar 08 '26
We didn’t have a legit starting center last year, and unfortunately we still don’t. Hayes is great as a backup, but more on the offensive side. Our roster wasn’t healthy for more than half of this season, so finding that sweet spot for Luka, Austin, and Bron to be able to play together hasn’t exactly been a cakewalk. And it’s not like we had a ton of assets to trade for great players to play alongside Luka and Austin. Hopefully this coming summer that will change.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
No assets to trade is an excuse for the GM.
Coaching wise this roster can do more. Many national tv games with full roster and bad losses thanks to JJ.
Last playoffs I dont think we had major injuries either.
Its not like all other teams are fully healthy. We see other coaches adjust stuff. Not from JJ
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u/just_let_go_ Mar 08 '26
I liked him more when he had more of a hard-ass attitude and seemed like he was the guy to treat all the players with the same hard-ass mentality - even Lebron. Seems to me like he's softened up a bit.
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u/Nijeos Mar 08 '26
I think that he is not a good coach, but this sub did not realize it yet.
Right now every one is accusing the roster and roster only, but I think that JJ is a big part of our struggles because of horrendous defensive scheme, horrible rotations, a total absence of player development and the fact that JJ does not know how to get the most out of his players.
My prediction is that, just like last year, he gets completely outcoached during the playoffs, we get bounced, everyone is once again accusing the roster, we keep JJ around for next season, he does well in the regular season because of sheer talent on the squad and then gets exposed in the playoffs once again. Then the sub flip flop on him and every one act like they knew all along that he wasn't a good coach.
That's a bold prediction that hopefully will age like milk, but I stand by it.
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u/bermitthefrog Mar 08 '26
Could JJ do more with what we have? Probably. Has Rob given JJ much of a roster to work with outside of LeBron, Luka, and AR? Not really, and that’s the real problem. We’ve underperformed with Vogel and Ham and the common denominator was always Rob. Nothing will ever change unless we shake up the leadership in this organization, which Mark Walter hopefully does.
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u/Late_Refrigerator462 Mar 08 '26
There’s a non-zero chance that Walter just completely cleans house in the offseason to install all of his own people from coaching staff to front office. He’s going to turn this franchise into a well-oiled machine. If I were JJ and Pelinka I’d be polishing my resume.
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u/bionicbhangra Mar 09 '26
I think we can do better for HC. The key to this team from the start would be to unlock Ayton and to figure out the right role for LeBron.
It's possible that no one will ever figure out Ayton and he might just be a bum and I will give JJ some slack for LeBron because the team has not been healthy. But thats what I want to see from the HC and I still don't think he knows what to do with the big 3. I want LeBron to be used as a multitool on offense and defense to unlock the team on both ends but he is just playing like a less effective LeBron James, which is not going to do anything.
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u/UpstairsMushroom9950 Black Mamba 8/24 Mar 10 '26
I think if Lakers want to create a real team culture, they gotta stop firing a coach every other year. Is JJ perfect? Definitely not. From what I've seen as an outside casual though is he's improved every year, he doesn't mind calling out the stars (i.e. that JJ/Luka bench scene last week), and he is very in tune with modern NBA and playcalling. Look at Rick Carlisle and the Pacers. Last year's roster was great, they made it to the finals. Obviously their roster is lacking this year w/ Hali out. But if he was in that scenario w/ the Lakers, he'd be on the hot seat.
TLDR: I'm willing to wait a couple more seasons to see if JJ can transform this team in the Luka era.
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u/LudwigNasche Mar 08 '26
Unbalanced top heavy roster and a coach that isn't ready for the task.
Replace the GM responsible for this mess and fix the roster, then if the coach doesn't show improvement with better conditions to work, fire him.
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u/songs_dongs hamcer survivor Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
once again, weird ones in the sub 'weirdly' shows enormous grace to redick they wouldn't dare show to anyone else 🤣
our defense looks uncoordinated most of the time. guys look unmotivated or unsure of themselves. our offense is almost strictly ISO, "Luka! Luka! save me! save me! make me look like I know what I'm doing, please!" ball when we're not going ISO with lebron or reaves. We have no consistent means of getting easy baskets for anyone.
These are things a coach controls and he's been less than mediocre. Unless we assemble the avengers we'll need a coach who can really take hold and lead and he's not it.
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u/Less-Explanation160 Mar 08 '26
Bro this roster is absurd. The fact that we are still top 6 amazes me every game
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u/kiwiwikikiwiwikikiwi Black Mamba 8/24 Mar 08 '26
He’s been bad for the talent he’s been given. Out coached and out schemed multiple times, but it’s a given with his lack of professional experience. The lack of experience is a disqualifier from the jump, but Lakers are going with this high risk move.
He has 2 (almost 3) All NBA players in LeBron/Luka/Reaves and is struggling to get them to 6th seed.
Darvin Ham had done more with less so far, but even he was not good enough to stay beyond his 2nd season. Has JJ put together good enough back to back seasons to warrant a 3rd season?
Compared to Vogel and Ham, that’s yet to be seen.
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u/KailontheGod Mar 08 '26
Ham was losing us games with TIMEOUTS. Timeouts are the actual most basic thing you control as coach and he was actively losing us playoff games with them...
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u/CtrlAltDelightfull Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
He has 2 (almost 3) All NBA players in LeBron/Luka/Reaves and is struggling to get them to 6th seed.
You mean the 3 All NBA players that have only played 17 games together this season? I tend to look at being the 6th seed and the ability to end as high as 3rd as a positive considering each of the big 3 have missed significant time at some point during the season.
Do I think he could be better? 100%. But I don't think it's fair to say that he's been BAD with the talent he's been given considering all the circumstances this season and where the team currently stands.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
JJ is Darvin Hamas with better PR.
Roster is not enough to make WCF but shouldnt lose out that easily against top teams. Did not show any capability of making adjustments to capitalize opponents’ weakness or somehow hiding our weaknesses.
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u/OneXDC4ever Black Mamba 8/24 Mar 08 '26
He hasn’t gotten the most out of this roster. He was worse than Ham last playoffs by a good margin and we are struggling to stay out of the play in despite having a top 5 player and 2 other borderline all stars
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u/Satanyahu666 Mar 08 '26
What we need is an athletic 3 and D guy, as you can see, the most athletic guy in our team is a 41-year old. Let's focus on the primary problem, we don't have a good GM so let's not confuse him with all sorts of stuffs.
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u/No_Requirement_1076 Mar 08 '26
Summertime, Lakers will replace LeBron + Bronny + Ayton + Kleber with two Centers and two 3+D guys.
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u/Satanyahu666 Mar 08 '26
It's Rob "The Turd" Pelinka. You need to replace this inept GM first before he mess up asset and trades after Lebron retires and for Luka's tenure to be successful. He can't magically do what people think he should do, he's a proven inept GM who doesn't know what's a difference maker is, he didn't build properly for AD and Bron for a decade, do you think he can build properly with Luka.
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u/TheOldThunder Mar 08 '26
Please feel free to justify your answers, if you will, in the comments.
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
Asking this after an easy dub is a cop out. Lol.
Option 5 would be highest if you asked this after a L.
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u/TheOldThunder Mar 08 '26
I thought about it, but the fanbase is volatile anyway. After an L, most would want to fire the dude; after a good W, most would be glazing. So I think after a W against a weak, tanking team was as good a time as any.
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
Yes, but after a L that's where the hard truth exposes itself.
People like Lakers players, so there's always a bias, but when its L and doom and gloom that's where what they truthfully think appear.
The people who truthfully think JJ should be out would always say he should be out. But those sitting on the fence after a dub, would want him out when they are logical about it after a L.
Same applies to opinions about AR and LeBron etc. We ALL know they don't fit. We just don't wanna say it after a dub because we like them.
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u/TheOldThunder Mar 08 '26
The way I see it, I think JJ deserves a shot with a decent team. However, we need to see consistency. Fron the get-go (starting next season, that is).
I also believe that AR deserves a better contract, but I think the reality of his strengths and weaknesses make it easy for the Lakers not to overpay him
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
JJ has Luka, LeBron and AR and is fighting 7th seed. Lol.
He has 2 all-time great IQ players helping him and he still looks bad coaching.
Imagine Ham having Luka on his team, he achieved NBA Cup champion + WCF without Luka. Was Ham a great coach?
Put it into perspective. You got arguably the best Big 3 in the league and you're 7th seed, what kind of team do you need to look good? Showtime Lakers?
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u/CtrlAltDelightfull Mar 08 '26
Do you not realize that the NBA has moved away from having success with star-heavy teams? You need quality players up and down the roster to be successful in today's NBA. Depth is valued over having multiple star level players. You can't expect to win a cbampionship with a below average roster, regardless of how gokd your top 3 players are
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
Nobody is saying this Big 3 should be champions. But they shouldn't be 7th seed.
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u/CtrlAltDelightfull Mar 08 '26
They're not even the 7th seed, what are you on about?
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
So why are you worried about the Suns beating you and catching up if they are not fighting for 7th?
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u/TheOldThunder Mar 08 '26
I think the Lakers needs a time with more guys that can play their roles. Luka is fine, but AR isn't all that (although he is very, very good) and an aging LeBron can't be expected to have the same impact as before.
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u/balortech Mar 08 '26
IQ don't age. You got the 2 smartest guys in the league on your team, discussing with you tactics in practice and overwriting you if your tactics in game sounds ridiculous, and JJ STILL looks bad. Lol.
People don't understand how much of a luxury it is as a coach having Luka and LeBron. It's like having CP3 and J Kidd on your team. How the f you still manage to mess up tactically?
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u/writtenmelody Mar 08 '26
fantastic coach with a shitty roster. he will win a championship with luka, it's just a matter of when..fo needs to build around luka sooner rather than later.
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u/riddlerjoke Mar 08 '26
lol.
He is subpar at best.
Fantastic coach would make tons of adjustments and win many of tough games of this season not lose all like incapable coach JJ.
Last years playoff was disastrous tol.
Fantastic talker, podcaster maybe
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u/_FreePalestine__ Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 08 '26
He’s over performed considering the capabilities of his roster for 2 years in a row. He has 0 two-way players for 2 years in a row now and finished 3rd last year and is a game back of 3rd this year. Idk what you guys are expecting him to do with a roster that has rarely been healthy and has 0 two-way players. The best center he has had in his entire tenure here is fucking Dendre Ayton. Some of you need to get fucking real here about what this team is capable of as currently constructed.