Chris Finch’s JJ Redick joke is so funny even Lakers fans should laugh at it

Recently, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch appeared on Zach Lowe's live podcast in Minneapolis. There were plenty of great moments from Finch's appearance, but perhaps the best moment came early on, shortly after Finch took the stage. Finch joked that three quarters of the audience will go home and do a podcast, and then added that it will qualify you to coach the Lakers. 

Of course, this is a joke about JJ Redick, who earned the Lakers' head coaching job despite no formal coaching experience, other than podcasting and a successful 15-year NBA career. Like always, social media got mad and escalated this joke to more than it was. Guess what? Finch and Redick are friends, and sometimes they take friendly "jabs" at each other. What a revolutionary concept. 

I'm sure when JJ saw the clip, he chuckled. For my money, it was a hilarious joke. Sometimes it's not that deep.

Finch's comments are simply a joke

Finch was Redick's assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans. The two developed a real connection, and it's clear they have a high respect for each other. Finch has been on the record saying that he learned a lot from coaching JJ. Both coaches have a similar, brutally honest style. 

However, like most friends, the two like to joke around with each other. Previously, Redick joked that Finch tried to eliminate his mid-range shot despite Redick being an elite mid-range shooter. Finch "fired back" by saying JJ's most efficient points per shot of his career were that season, and he should have dedicated himself to becoming a 3-point shooter earlier. 

Finch's latest comment is simply on brand for their relationship. If you think this is some serious beef, you either didn't know about their history (which is understandable) or you need to grow up.

I get it, the Wolves and Lakers are easy to pin against each other after they faced off in the first round of the playoffs last season. Regardless, a joke is always a joke; there doesn't have to be some underlying motivation here.

Even if you are a die-hard Lakers fan, you should be able to acknowledge that JJ's path to coaching is unconventional, especially given that one of his podcasts was with LeBron James himself. There is no harm in making a joke about this, and I'm sure JJ found this to be funny; thus, Lakers fans should, too. 

The Wolves (7-4) and Lakers (8-4) are neck and neck in the standings. Perhaps they'll face off again in the playoffs. But if there's another moment between Finch and Redick, just remember they're friends.