Ever since JJ Redick was named the LA Lakers’ new head coach, everyone has eagerly anticipated how his debut season in LA will unfold. Leading such a storied franchise on his first attempt while also coaching a player like LeBron James, who wields significant power and influence in the league, the outcome of this season could determine JJ Redick’s future as a head coach. Amid that pressure, 18-year-old Bryson Tiller, one of the top prospects from Bryce James’ class, resurrected a controversial tag that LeBron James has held throughout his career.

Over the course of James’ 21-year career, he has been coached by nine different head coaches, seven of whom were fired during their tenure. Because of this, many have deemed LeBron James a ‘Coach Killer,’ claiming that he cost most of these coaches their jobs using his influence. As JJ Redick gears up to become James’ tenth head coach, Bryson Tiller recently acknowledged LBJ’s power to influence a team’s decision about firing coaches, saying, “Yeah, that’s LeGM for sure.”

However, the five-star prospect believes that JJ Redick might not have this sword hanging over his head, as he is new to this job and LeBron James might give him the benefit of the doubt. When asked if James would get Redick fired if the Lakers started next season 6-18, Tiller said, “Nah. It’s his first time coaching, so I think you give him a little bit of time… I don’t think you fire him though.”

It is interesting to hear what Tiller thinks about LBJ’s power in the league because soon the 18-year-old might be competing with James’ son Bryce in a race to enter the league. With both teenagers being part of the class of 2025, Bryson Tiller is a much higher-rated prospect than Bryce. However, LeBron James’ younger son surpasses Tiller in NIL value by a whopping $962,000, with Bryce’s valuation at $1.2 million compared to Tiller’s $238,000.

While there is still a lot of time before Bryce James and Bryson Tiller can even think of playing in the NBA, JJ Redick’s clock has already started ticking.

JJ Redick has only one goal in mind amid uncertain future

With the Summer League underway, Redick has a clear focus on what he aims to achieve as the Lakers’ head coach. “I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don’t want to dispel anything. I want to become a great coach in the NBA, and I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That’s all I f**king care about,” he said during his introductory press conference.

Since LeBron James’ arrival in LA, the Lakers have already fired three head coaches, with the most recent being Darvin Ham. The one before that, Frank Vogel, even led the team to a Championship inside the Bubble. So, it will be a challenging task for Redick to live up to the expectations of LeBron James and the franchise, especially with no prior coaching experience. And while Bryson Tiller believes that a failed season would not cost Redick his job immediately, the Lakers’ win-now mentality with James turning forty next season could change all that.

Although LeBron James’ ‘coach killer’ tag has never been proven, history suggests that JJ Redick could become its next victim if he is unable to produce results right away. Do you agree?