Charles Barkley Slams JJ Redick Over NBA Ratings Comments

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley took a fiery stand against Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick following comments Redick made about declining NBA ratings. During a New Year’s broadcast of TNT’s 2025 doubleheader, Barkley didn’t hold back, calling Redick a “dead man walking” while ripping into the Lakers.

“You come for the king, you better not miss,” Barkley declared, addressing Redick’s implication that analysts like himself contribute to the league’s declining viewership. He openly criticized Redick’s coaching tenure, branding the Lakers as a “stinking” team incapable of improvement despite coaching changes. Barkley added, “They got rid of Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, who did a good job. JJ Redick won’t fix anything with this ugly mess.”

Redick, known for his outspoken nature, may respond, potentially fueling further exchanges. Meanwhile, the Lakers, currently sixth in the Western Conference, face the Dallas Mavericks next, intensifying the spotlight on Redick’s performance.

Barkley didn’t reserve criticism for the Lakers alone; he also dismissed the Golden State Warriors’ and Lakers’ championship hopes, referring to both teams as mere play-in candidates: “The Lakers and Warriors both stink. They’re not contenders. Love LeBron, but it’s time to stop pretending.”

The outspoken Barkley continues to polarize opinions, sparking debate over the state of the NBA.