The Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising move in their search for a new head coach. After reportedly considering several experienced candidates, the team has hired JJ Redick, a former NBA player with no prior coaching experience.
Redick's connection to the Lakers comes from his podcast with LeBron James, which has gained popularity for its basketball acumen and high-level discussion of tactics and motivation. However, his coaching experience is limited to his children's youth teams.
The Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham in May after he led the team to two playoff berths and a Western Conference finals appearance in 2023. Redick's hiring marks a significant change for the organization, which has been linked to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young amid trade rumors.
Redick is the leading scorer in Duke basketball history, where he played four seasons under Mike Krzyzewski. His lack of coaching experience raises questions about his ability to lead a team with NBA talent and high expectations.
The Lakers' decision to hire Redick has been met with skepticism from some quarters, but the team believes that his basketball knowledge and relationship with James make him an intriguing candidate for the job. The move also allows the Lakers to appease their superstar, who reportedly had a say in the hiring process.
The Atlanta Hawks lost in the play-in tournament this past season after losing in the first round the previous two, while the Lakers were also in the play-in tournament for two consecutive years. Adding Young to their roster would be a significant change for Los Angeles, as he is a ball-dominant playmaker who consistently pulls up from well beyond the arc. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are also players who have plenty of chances with the ball, so there would need to be some type of adjustment.
Redick's hiring marks a bold move by the Lakers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 season. Only time will tell if this hire turns out to be a genius move or a misstep.