Lakers' JJ Redick Floats Microchip Theory After Wizards Clash

The veteran coach believes the NBA may have rigged the game balls to make shots rattle out.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:49am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the ball as the central focus and distorted players and court elements surrounding it. The use of vibrant colors and overlapping planes creates a sense of energy and intensity.A cubist interpretation of the Lakers' victory over the Wizards, highlighting the controversy surrounding the game balls.Los Angeles Today

During a post-game interview, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick suggested that the NBA may have placed electronic microchips in the game balls to make shots rattle in and out of the rim. Redick's comments came after the Lakers cruised to a 120-101 victory over the Washington Wizards, in which the team had several shots rim out in the first half.

Why it matters

Redick's microchip theory, while seemingly far-fetched, highlights the growing trend of NBA players and coaches expressing skepticism about the league's officiating and game operations. As the league continues to embrace new technologies, some are concerned about potential tampering or manipulation of the game.

The details

The Lakers pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring the Wizards 40-18. When asked about the change in momentum, Redick noted that the team had several shots 'rattle in and out' in the opening frame, which he found 'a little odd.' The veteran coach then referenced a basketball movie called 'Summertime Switch' that featured a plot about the NBA placing electronic chips in the balls to make them ricochet off the rim.

  • The Lakers defeated the Wizards on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, known for his sharp basketball mind and occasional unconventional theories.

LeBron James

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, who recorded a triple-double in the win over the Wizards.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers guard, who scored 19 points and connected on several alley-oop plays with LeBron James.

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What they’re saying

“The ball stopped rattling in and out. When there are five of those shots in a quarter, that's a little odd.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

“There's a basketball movie about that, where they put a little electronic chip in the ball, and every time it got near the rim, they would make it rattle off.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Redick's microchip theory, while unconventional, reflects the growing skepticism among NBA players and coaches about the league's use of technology and the potential for manipulation of the game. As the league continues to embrace new innovations, maintaining the integrity of the sport will be a crucial challenge.