### Timberwolves' Chris Finch Takes a Playful Jab at Lakers Coach JJ Redick's Podcasting Background In a recent live taping of "The Zach Lowe Show," Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch humorously critiqued Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick's transition from podcasting to coaching. Finch's comment, "I mean, it will qualify you to coach the Lakers," was a lighthearted jab at Redick's unconventional path to the head coaching position, which he assumed in 2024 despite lacking formal coaching experience. This playful banter seems to echo the competitive spirit that has lingered since the Timberwolves ousted the Lakers in the playoffs last season, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two teams and their coaches [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/timberwolves-chris-finch-lakers-jj-redick-coach-podcasting, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers/news/chris-finch-takes-shot-lakers-coach-jj-redick/2fbb6e4149e9c37ac29bd248]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Context and Reactions 1. **Background of the Coaches**: - Chris Finch has been the head coach of the Timberwolves since 2020 and has a solid coaching background. - JJ Redick, a former NBA player, transitioned to coaching after a successful career and gained popularity through his podcasts, notably "Old Man and the Three" and "Mind the Game" with LeBron James [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/timberwolves_head_coach_chris_finch_takes_a_ruthless_shot_at_jj_redick/s1_127_43065636]. 2. **The Comment**: - Finch's remark was made during a discussion about the increasing number of sports podcasters who have transitioned into coaching roles, suggesting a level of skepticism about the qualifications derived from podcasting [https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves-coach-trolls-lakers-jj-redick-one-liner-podcast]. 3. **Reactions from the Lakers Community**: - The Lakers fanbase and media have responded to Finch's comments, with some defending Redick's coaching abilities after leading the Lakers to the playoffs in his first season [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-lakers-nation-responds-to-wolves-hc-chris-finchs-podcaster-dig-at-jj-redick]. ### Supporting Evidence and Contextual Data - **Coaching Experience**: - JJ Redick had no prior coaching experience before being hired by the Lakers, which raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike [https://www.outkick.com/sports/timberwolves-coach-takes-brutal-shot-jj-redicks-podcast-career]. - **Performance Metrics**: - In his first season, Redick led the Lakers to the playoffs despite significant roster changes, including the acquisition of Luka Doncic, showcasing his adaptability and strategic thinking [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/watch_timberwolves_chris_finch_takes_jab_at_jj_redick/s1_17074_43068453]. ### Conclusion: The Competitive Banter Continues In summary, **Chris Finch's playful jab at JJ Redick underscores the competitive nature of the NBA and the evolving landscape of coaching**. The exchange highlights several key points: 1. **The Shift in Coaching Norms**: The rise of former players transitioning to coaching roles, often without traditional coaching backgrounds, is becoming more common. 2. **Ongoing Rivalry**: The Timberwolves and Lakers rivalry remains strong, with Finch's comments serving as a reminder of their recent playoff encounter. 3. **Fan and Media Reactions**: The Lakers community's response reflects a mix of support for Redick and acknowledgment of the challenges he faces as a new head coach. This incident not only entertains but also invites discussions about the qualifications and paths to coaching in the modern NBA [https://thepicks.com/us/news/nba/chris-finch-jj-redick-lakers-podcast-timberwolves].