The Los Angeles Lakers are in a 2-0 hole against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, and their head coach is not keeping quiet about it. JJ Redick addressed the media after Thursday night’s loss and put the officiating on blast, specifically around his 41-year-old star LeBron James.
The Thunder cruised to a 125-107 win, with Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each finishing with 22 points. The Lakers were also without scoring champion Luka Doncic, who remains out with a strained left hamstring.
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 31 points, while LeBron posted 23 points across 38 minutes. Notably, the game also marked LeBron’s 300th career playoff appearance.
JJ Redick Says LeBron James Gets “Worst Whistle” of Any Star
Redick did not hold back at the podium, saying LeBron gets the worst whistle of any star player he has ever seen. Redick added that in his two years with James, smaller and more theatrical players tend to draw more fouls, while bigger players built like LeBron get clobbered without calls.
“LeBron has the worst whistle of any star player I’ve ever seen.”
— JJ Redick
pic.twitter.com/U6PNbf2VI9— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 8, 2026
The foul disparity told part of the story: the Lakers were assessed 26 fouls to the Thunder’s 21, and LeBron went to the free-throw line just four times.
Redick’s frustration was not limited to the press conference. He lost his temper on the sideline during the game as well, visibly shouting at an official, and the team confronted the referees after the final buzzer.
When reporters asked James himself why he struggles to draw calls despite his status in the league, the four-time champion gave a short response: “I don’t know.”
Game 3 shifts to Los Angeles on Saturday, with the Lakers desperate to get on the board before the deficit becomes insurmountable.
