The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the hiring of JJ Redick as their new head coach, as confirmed by CBS Sports’ Bill Reiter. Redick, a former NBA player with a 15-year career that included stints with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks, transitions from his recent role as a TV analyst with ESPN to one of the most prestigious coaching positions in the NBA.
A Unique Path to Coaching
Redick’s journey to the Lakers’ head coach position is unconventional. Known for his successful playing career and his media presence, including hosting a popular podcast during and after his playing days, Redick has not previously held any coaching role at the professional or amateur level. Despite his lack of experience, his insights and analysis as a broadcaster have been highly regarded, setting the stage for this unexpected yet intriguing hire.
The Search for a Coach
The Lakers’ coaching search was extensive and somewhat tumultuous. Redick was an early candidate, but the Lakers also pursued UConn coach Dan Hurley with a significant six-year, $70 million offer, which Hurley declined. Ultimately, the Lakers circled back to Redick, recognizing his potential to bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Precedents of Success
While hiring a coach with no prior experience is rare, it is not unprecedented. Steve Nash was hired by the Brooklyn Nets in 2020 without previous coaching roles, and Derek Fisher and Jason Kidd both transitioned directly from playing to head coaching positions. The most notable success story is Steve Kerr, who led the Golden State Warriors to multiple championships despite having no prior coaching experience but did have front-office experience with the Phoenix Suns.
Redick’s NBA Coaching Aspirations
Redick has been on the radar for coaching roles for some time. He interviewed for the Toronto Raptors’ head coach position after the 2023 season and was a finalist for the Charlotte Hornets’ job before it went to Celtics assistant Charles Lee. Additionally, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla attempted to recruit Redick as an assistant, underscoring Redick’s growing reputation in coaching circles.
Challenges Ahead
Redick faces significant challenges with the Lakers. The team has high expectations, having won the 2020 championship and reached the 2023 Western Conference finals. The Lakers’ best player, LeBron James, turns 40 this season, and while Anthony Davis had a strong, durable 2023-24 season, he has historically struggled with injuries.
The Lakers are reportedly targeting star players like Donovan Mitchell to bolster their roster, but with limited trade assets, the path to acquiring such talent is unclear. The team must also navigate luxury tax concerns, particularly if they retain or replace starting point guard D’Angelo Russell.
Long-Term Vision
The Lakers have expressed a desire for a coach who can be a long-term fixture, similar to Erik Spoelstra with the Miami Heat or Steve Kerr with the Warriors. Historically, the Lakers have struggled to find such stability, with Redick becoming their seventh full-time coach since Phil Jackson’s retirement in 2011.
Redick and the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, face the dual challenge of maximizing the remainder of LeBron’s legendary career while planning for the team’s future beyond their aging stars.
Conclusion
JJ Redick’s appointment as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is a bold and risky move, given his lack of coaching experience. However, his basketball acumen and the respect he commands within the NBA community suggest that the potential reward could be significant. As Redick steps into this high-profile role, the Lakers hope he can lead them to immediate success and establish a lasting legacy with the franchise.
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