In a stunning development that’s sending shockwaves across the NBA, former Los Angeles Lakers head coach and 2020 NBA Champion Frank Vogel, now officially part of the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff, has reportedly sent a pointed and unexpected message to current Lakers head coach JJ Redick — and insiders say it wasn’t just friendly advice.
▶️ The Message
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Vogel’s message to Redick was direct and unfiltered:
“This isn’t just another coaching job. You’re leading a legacy — and legacies don’t run on theory and podcasts.”
The comment appears to reference Redick’s rise from media analyst and podcast host to Lakers head coach, which drew skepticism in some NBA circles despite Redick’s high basketball IQ and strong relationships around the league.
Vogel, who led the Lakers to their 17th NBA title in the 2020 bubble season, is said to have emphasized the “unrelenting expectations” of the Lakers franchise — something he believes Redick may be underestimating.
🏀 Background: Vogel’s Career & Redick’s Rise
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Frank Vogel, who coached the Lakers from 2019 to 2022, was recently announced as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with head coach Jason Kidd, his former assistant in L.A.
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Vogel briefly coached the Phoenix Suns in 2023–24 before being let go after one season.
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JJ Redick, former NBA sharpshooter and media personality, took over the Lakers head coaching job in 2024 with no previous coaching experience — a bold move by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
Redick led the Lakers to a surprising playoff appearance in his first year and recently received a contract extension in September 2025, showing that the front office is fully behind him.
⚠️ Why Vogel Spoke Out
NBA insiders suggest Vogel’s message stems from his deep respect for the Lakers brand — and his belief that Redick’s modern, media-savvy approach may lack the grit and structure needed to win championships in L.A.
“Frank still cares about the Lakers, whether he admits it or not,” one former player said. “That message came from a place of both pride and maybe a little frustration.”
Some speculate Vogel’s words may have also been influenced by his inside knowledge of the Lakers’ system, locker room politics, and how to manage superstars — all things Redick is still learning on the fly.
🎯 What This Means Going Forward
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Redick’s Response: So far, JJ Redick has not responded publicly, but sources say he was “aware” of the comments and has “no intention of engaging.”
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Locker Room Dynamics: Veteran Lakers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis have previously supported both Vogel and Redick — but this drama could test that balance.
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Strategic Mind Games? Some analysts believe Vogel’s message could be part of a subtle strategic play ahead of potential Lakers vs. Mavericks playoff matchups.
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Legacy Clash: This could represent a broader ideological clash — old-school coaching versus new-school philosophy.
🗣 Fan Reactions
On social media, reactions have been mixed:
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🔥 “Vogel’s just bitter he’s not in L.A. anymore.”
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🧠 “He’s right — Redick hasn’t proven anything yet.”
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🐍 “Is this the start of a new Lakers-Mavs rivalry?”
📆 Circle This Date
The Lakers and Mavericks are scheduled to meet on December 15 at Crypto.com Arena — and that game just got a lot more personal.
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