JJ Redick Eyes Experienced Staff for Potential LA Lakers Head Coaching Role

JJ Redick, a well-known former NBA player and current ESPN broadcaster, is reportedly preparing for his potential head coaching role at the LA Lakers. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Redick has already set his sights on building a robust coaching staff, including experienced names like former Lakers player Jared Dudley, Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, and Pelicans assistant James Borrego.

Redick’s selection of Dudley, Cassell, and Borrego suggests a strategic approach to his first coaching gig, ensuring he surrounds himself with seasoned professionals. Among the candidates for the Lakers’ head coaching job, Redick stands out as the only one without prior NBA coaching experience. However, his choices indicate a commitment to leveraging the expertise of his assistants to guide him through his inaugural season.

Jared Dudley, a respected veteran during his playing days, has been an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks since 2021. Under Jason Kidd’s leadership, the Mavericks have made it to the conference finals twice, benefiting from Dudley’s insights. Dudley’s rapport with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis further strengthens his candidacy, providing a valuable bridge between the coaching staff and the team’s core players.

Sam Cassell brings a wealth of experience from his time as an assistant coach, starting in 2009. He has served under Doc Rivers from 2014 to 2023 and worked closely with Redick during their stint with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2014 to 2017. Currently, Cassell is an assistant with the Boston Celtics, who hold the league’s best record this season. His extensive coaching resume and firsthand experience with Redick make him a logical choice for the Lakers’ staff.

James Borrego, with a robust coaching background, adds another layer of expertise. Borrego served as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons and had an interim head coaching stint with the Orlando Magic. He is also part of the esteemed Gregg Popovich head coaching role tree, having been an assistant for seven years under Popovich. With 16 years as a top assistant and a total of 20 years in coaching, Borrego’s experience would be invaluable to Redick as he navigates his first head coaching role.

Despite the promising potential of Redick’s chosen staff, not everyone is convinced of his readiness for a head coaching position. Former Lakers champion and head coach Byron Scott expressed his doubts about Redick’s prospects. Scott, who led the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, pointed out Redick’s lack of experience as an assistant coach as a major concern.

“It’s hard jumping in that seat as a first-time head coach,” Scott told TMZ. “I don’t know if he has what it takes to be a great head coach in the NBA, but again, if he gets that opportunity, we’ll find out real soon.”

JJ Redick is an unproven coaching talent but has demonstrated a solid understanding of the game through his broadcasting and podcasting work. He has been on the radar for various coaching positions, including head coach roles with the Toronto Raptors and assistant roles with the Boston Celtics. The Lakers’ position appears to be his closest opportunity yet to step into a coaching role in the NBA.

If Redick secures the Lakers’ head coaching job, it will mark a significant transition from his broadcasting career to leading one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. The Lakers are expected to make an official announcement regarding their head coaching decision following the NBA Finals.

In the meantime, Redick will continue his broadcasting duties, covering the Finals alongside ESPN’s top commentary team, including Doris Burke and Mike Breen.

JJ Redick’s potential hiring as the Lakers’ head coach represents a bold move by the franchise. His lack of direct coaching experience contrasts sharply with his deep knowledge of the game and his analytical skills displayed as a broadcaster. Redick’s reported choices for his coaching staff suggest a strategic mindset, aiming to balance his inexperience with the seasoned guidance of Dudley, Cassell, and Borrego.

The skepticism from figures like Byron Scott is understandable, given the high stakes and pressures associated with the Lakers’ head coaching job. However, the modern NBA is increasingly open to innovative approaches and fresh perspectives, which Redick embodies. His potential success will largely depend on his ability to adapt quickly and leverage the extensive experience of his chosen assistants.

As the Lakers seek to return to championship contention, the decision to potentially hire Redick could signal a new direction for the franchise. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out and whether Redick can translate his on-court intelligence and broadcasting acumen into effective coaching.