The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to high-stakes decisions, and their latest coaching search is shaping up to be another headline-grabber. Following the departure of head coach Darvin Ham after just two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers are casting a wide net for his replacement.
While many expected the team to lean towards a seasoned coach, the name creating the most buzz is surprisingly that of JJ Redick, an ESPN analyst with no professional coaching experience.
Redick’s Unexpected Emergence
When Darvin Ham was let go, it was widely assumed the Los Angeles Lakers would seek out an experienced head coach, particularly given LeBron James’ advancing age and the team’s immediate championship aspirations. However, many of the seasoned coaches linked to the Los Angeles Lakers are currently unavailable.
Mike Budenholzer has taken over the Phoenix Suns, Ty Lue is under contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Jason Kidd has just secured a contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks.
“I don’t know what a foul is anymore. Because that’s an obvious call if I’m an official.”
-JJ Redickpic.twitter.com/22EHRvJThc
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) May 12, 2024
In this context, JJ Redick’s name has surfaced as a serious contender. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Redick is one of the key figures the Los Angeles Lakers are “drilling down on” and “intrigued with.”
The Lakers’ front office has been actively gathering information about Redick as part of what is expected to be a “wide-ranging and lengthy search.” While Redick hasn’t been named the early favorite, his candidacy is generating significant interest.
From Sharpshooter to Coach?
JJ Redick’s potential leap from broadcaster to head coach is unprecedented in recent NBA history. After a 15-year playing career, Redick transitioned seamlessly into a media role with ESPN, where he has received widespread praise for his analytical skills.
He hosts “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, appears on studio shows, and provides insightful commentary on game broadcasts. His attention to strategic details sets him apart from many other analysts.
Adding to his appeal is his relationship with LeBron James. The two have launched a podcast together, “Mind the Game,” focusing on basketball from an X’s and O’s perspective. This connection could be crucial in securing James’ buy-in, a significant factor given James’ influence in the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room and across the league.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Despite his lack of coaching experience, Redick’s stock is rising. He interviewed for the Toronto Raptors’ head-coaching job last offseason and was a finalist for the Charlotte Hornets job this year before it went to Celtics assistant Charles Lee.
Additionally, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla attempted to hire Redick as an assistant last offseason, further highlighting his growing reputation in coaching circles.
The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to taking risks with their coaching hires. Darvin Ham was also a first-time head coach when the Lakers brought him on board. Now, they might be contemplating an even bolder move with Redick.
The potential outcomes of such a hire are varied, ranging from a success story like Steve Kerr, who transitioned from broadcasting to coaching successfully, to less favorable comparisons like Derek Fisher or Steve Nash.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Search: A Balancing Act
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ front office faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they need a coach who can command respect and bring immediate success to a team led by a nearly 40-year-old LeBron James. On the other, they must be open to innovative approaches and fresh perspectives, which Redick undeniably offers.
If Redick does land the job, it will be a high-stakes gamble. However, his deep understanding of the game, coupled with his relationship with James, could prove to be the perfect blend for a team looking to maximize its championship window. As the Lakers’ search continues, all eyes will be on how this intriguing possibility unfolds.
Whether it’s Redick or another candidate, the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision will be pivotal in shaping their future. This search is not just about finding the right coach—it’s about finding the right leader to guide one of the NBA’s most storied franchises back to glory.
