"Looks like JJ Redick's losing the locker room": Fans react after D'Angelo Russell spends final 17 minutes on the bench vs. Grizzlies

Hoops fans didn’t hold back after the Lakers coach decided to bench star guard D'Angelo Russell for the final 17 minutes in the team’s disappointing 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Lakers insider Jovan Buha quickly noted Russell’s extended absence, confirming that Redick pulled him from the game following a poor defensive sequence.

"D'Angelo Russell didn't play in the final 17:54 of this game. He played just 22 minutes, the lowest of the starters," Buha said in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).

A fan questioned Buha on whether Russell was injured or if coach Redick had chosen to bench him, to which The Athletic reporter responded:

"I didn't see him get hurt, so I'd lean the latter. He got pulled after a bad defensive sequence. But we'll find out postgame."

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on coach Redick's decision to bench Russell following the Lakers' blowout loss.

"We were all excited about jj’s start but waiting to see how he faced adversity. Looks like he’s losing the locker room," a fan wrote.

"and just like pretty much every other game, he has the best plus/minus amongst the starters. offense is nothing without him… accept it," wrote another.

"Keep him on the bench until he does what he's paid to do," said another.

"@Dloading does not play winning basketball, we’ve known that for years. Took JJ 8 games, watching him get back doored then try and cover it up for by jacking up ill advised 3s. January can’t come soon enough," another user said.

"He really needs to come off the bench at best on this squad. Too many bad decision making on both sides of the court," said another fan.

"My theory on this is because JJ is really trying to see is max and Gabe can get some type of rhythm. Because right now I don’t see him finishing with the team this season," another user commented.

JJ Redick on benching D'Angelo Russell

Following the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick discussed his choice to bench D'Angelo Russell for the final 17 minutes, candidly questioning Russell's tendency to make mistakes. Redick also acknowledged that he wanted to allocate more playing time to Gabe Vincent.

"JJ Redick said D’Angelo Russell only played 22 minutes tonight because of Russell’s “level of compete” and “attention to detail.” He said he felt Russell reverted to old habits and Redick wanted to see more of Gabe Vincent out there," Buha tweeted.

Russell logged just under 22 minutes, the fewest among all Lakers starters. The star guard ended the game with 12 points, one rebound, three assists and two steals, struggling with his shooting at 4 of 12 from the field, including 2 of 9 from 3-point range.