The Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising move by naming ESPN analyst JJ Redick as their new head coach on a four-year contract. This decision comes after weeks of speculation surrounding who would take on the role. Redick, who is 39 years old, has limited coaching experience, having only coached his son’s youth basketball team. However, he has demonstrated a strong understanding of the NBA game through his work as a studio and game analyst for ESPN over the past three seasons. Additionally, he has shared valuable insights on his podcasts, “The Old Man and the Three” and “Mind the Game,” alongside LeBron James.
Although Redick’s name was initially considered early in the coaching search, UConn coach Dan Hurley was a top contender before turning down the offer. Despite assumptions that Redick had an advantage due to his podcast partnership with James, the Lakers star reportedly was not involved in the coaching search process. The team was impressed with Redick during the interview process, focusing on his potential as a coach rather than his past accomplishments.
Redick’s former coach at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski, who is the winningest coach in men’s college basketball history, played a role in influencing the Lakers’ decision. Redick’s credibility with players should not be questioned, given his 15-year NBA career with various teams, including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks. He was known for his scoring ability, averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting 42% on 3-pointers during his NBA career.
Redick will be taking over from Darvin Ham, who was let go after two seasons with the Lakers. The team finished with a 47-35 record during the regular season and secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference for the NBA playoffs. However, they were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. Other candidates for the head coaching position included James Borrego from the Pelicans, Sam Cassell from the Celtics, and David Adelman from the Nuggets, among others.
The Lakers are banking on Redick’s potential to lead the team into a new era, drawing parallels to legendary coach Pat Riley, who had a successful coaching career with the Lakers and later with the Miami Heat. Redick’s transition from a player to a coach will be closely monitored, as he looks to make his mark in the NBA coaching world.