Finch Takes a Jab at Redick: “If You Have a Podcast, You Can Coach the Lakers”
The Timberwolves coach cracks a joke about JJ Redick’s podcasting past – and the NBA world eats it up
In an NBA universe where any quote can become a meme in minutes, Chris Finch decided to give fans a show not just on the court but on stage.
During a live conversation with Zach Lowe at Minneapolis’ First Avenue, the Timberwolves head coach dropped a perfectly timed punchline aimed – lovingly – at JJ Redick and his recent leap from podcaster to Lakers head coach.
I bet three-quarters of the people here tonight will go home and start a podcast. That qualifies you to coach the Lakers
Chris Finch
The audience erupted, and it’s hard to imagine Redick not laughing from afar.
The joke wasn’t random: before joining the Lakers, Redick hosted Mind the Game with LeBron James, a basketball podcast that became wildly popular. Finch knows him well – the two shared a season together in New Orleans, where Finch was associate HC and Redick was bombing threes at 15.3 points per game on 45% from deep.
Now, years later, they’re rivals in the Western Conference, both leading competitive teams with strong records. But the dynamic feels less like a tension-filled rivalry and more like a friendly sitcom. The Wolves – amid rumors involving a potential Ja Morant trade – sit fifth; the Lakers are right behind them in sixth. Combined, the two teams are 15–8, setting the stage for an entertaining battle on and off the floor.
And if the standings hold, there could be a postseason rematch – just like last year when Minnesota knocked the Lakers out in the first round.
Until then, Finch’s jab adds humor to the storyline. And who knows – if they meet in the playoffs – maybe we’ll get another podcast-worthy one-liner… this time without microphones.