Lakers Eye JJ Redick: Could He Be the Surprise Pick for next Head Coach?

The buzz surrounding J.J. Redick potentially becoming the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has intensified over the past few weeks. Renowned NBA insider Shams Charania recently reported that Redick and the Lakers engaged in “extended conversations” as the franchise conducted interviews with multiple coaching candidates. Charania believes Redick is a frontrunner for the prestigious position.

Adding to the speculation, insider Brian Windhorst labeled Redick as a “strong candidate” during a discussion on the Dan Patrick Show. Windhorst suggested that the Lakers could announce Redick as their next head coach following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA Finals. Currently, Redick is an ESPN broadcaster, calling games alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke—considered the network’s top broadcasting team, which will also cover the finals.

Windhorst highlighted the potential complications if Redick is announced as the head coach before or during the NBA Finals. Such an announcement would create a challenging dynamic for Redick, who would be juggling his broadcasting duties with the transition to a coaching role. The Lakers are not the only team with a head coaching vacancy; the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards are also in the market, though Redick has not been strongly linked to these teams.

Previously, Redick was connected to the Charlotte Hornets‘ coaching search, a job that ultimately went to Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee. The strongest links remain between Redick and the Lakers, although other candidates such as James Borrego, Micah Nori, David Adelman, and Sam Cassell are also in the running. Notably, Redick is the only candidate without NBA coaching experience, while the others have served as top assistant coaches across the league. Borrego, for instance, coached the Hornets for four seasons from 2018 to 2022 and served as the interim coach for the Orlando Magic during the 2014–15 season.

One of the primary objectives for the Lakers in their head coaching search is to find someone adept with Xs and Os. Successful teams in the Western Conference have thrived under coaches who excel strategically, making Redick’s potential hiring intriguing. Through his podcasts and broadcasting work, Redick has demonstrated a deep understanding of basketball strategy and the modern NBA’s demands.

However, while Redick’s tactical acumen is evident, his lack of coaching experience raises questions about his ability to manage a locker room filled with superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Man management is as crucial as strategic prowess for an NBA head coach. Even seasoned coaches have struggled to maintain locker room harmony and have lost the trust and respect of their players, often leading to their dismissal.

The Lakers’ recent history underscores this challenge. During the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era, the team experienced difficulties with Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, both of whom faced challenges in maintaining team cohesion. The Lakers’ experience with first-time head coaches, such as Luke Walton and Ham, has been mixed at best. Thus, if the Lakers are seriously considering Redick, they need to carefully evaluate this decision, especially given their narrowing window for winning another championship.

Redick’s appeal lies in his fresh perspective and sharp basketball mind. His insights into the game, developed through years of playing and analyzing, could bring a new dimension to the Lakers’ approach. However, the transition from analyst to head coach is significant, and Redick’s ability to navigate this shift remains an open question. His potential to succeed will depend on his capacity to inspire and lead a roster filled with high-profile, high-expectation players.

The Lakers are at a critical juncture. With the core of James and Davis, they are in win-now mode, and the choice of head coach will be pivotal in shaping their immediate future. Redick’s potential hiring represents a gamble—a bet on innovation and fresh thinking over conventional experience. While the move could pay off spectacularly, it also carries the risk of backfiring if Redick struggles to adapt to the demands of coaching at the highest level.

As the Lakers deliberate their next move, the basketball world watches with keen interest. The decision to hire JJ Redick, if it comes to fruition, will be scrutinized and debated, reflecting the high stakes involved. Whether Redick can translate his insightful analysis into effective coaching remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Lakers’ head coaching search is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.