Quick Bytes
- JJ Redick emerges as a frontrunner for the Lakers head coaching job.
- Redick has no major coaching experience but is highly regarded for his intelligence.
- LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers’ head coach search, per agent Rich Paul.
Former NBA Star JJ Redick Leads the Race for Lakers Coach
As the Los Angeles Lakers progress through their head coaching search, former NBA player and ESPN analyst JJ Redick has become a prominent candidate. Despite lacking significant coaching experience, Redick’s intelligence and potential for long-term leadership have made him a standout in the initial interviews.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on The Pat McAfee Show that Redick’s extended meeting with the Lakers at the Draft Combine in Chicago positioned him as the current favorite. The Lakers have also interviewed other candidates, including James Borrego and Sam Cassell, and are preparing for a second round of more in-depth interviews.
The decision to potentially appoint Redick is seen as a bold move, given the high-pressure environment of the Lakers franchise and the need for a coach who can command respect from star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, has clarified that LeBron is not influencing the coaching search, emphasizing that the focus should be on building around Anthony Davis.