The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for the replacement of Darvin Ham after they fired him following another early playoff exit. Since the vacancy opened up, one name has been seen as the favorite to take over – JJ Redick. Having started a podcast with LeBron James, every sign seems to say he is next in line. Those close to the hiring process even believe the Lakers have already handed the franchise over to the former Clippers sharpshooter.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic provided an update to Elex Michaelson of Fox 11. “I think all signs point towards JJ Redick likely becoming the Lakers next head coach. He has been the frontrunner in the league circles for the past two to three weeks. All the buzz has been about JJ Redick likely being the next coach”. Buha also noted that the Lakers envision JJ Redick as a young Pat Riley, who made an unprecedented jump to becoming the coach of the Miami Heat.

However, Jeanie Buss and the Lakers are forced to delay their announcement for the same. It is because of Redick’s commitments to cover the NBA Finals. Once again, ABC, owned by Disney (worth $185.2 billion) has been given the right to cover the ultimate series of the season. Redick will join the iconic Mike Breen and experienced broadcaster Doris Burke to cover the NBA Finals. This will be the 39-year-old’s first time covering the NBA Finals.

Due to his obligation, the Lakers can’t name him the next head coach just yet as it clashes with him having to provide unbiased coverage of the Finals. But that doesn’t mean Redick can’t choose his coaching roster. According to Marc Stein, the podcaster has started making calls around the league to choose personnel to assist him during his Lakers tenure.

The Laker Nation has a lot to celebrate. Redick has displayed a promising ability to read the game. His breakdowns during podcasts, innate acumen, and deep wisdom are all essential skills for a head coach. However, it completely overshadows the fact that it will be Redick’s first gig as the head coach of an NBA team, and it is the biggest franchise in the league.

Being the head coach of the Lakers comes with an intense level of media pressure and expectations. For someone in his inaugural coaching role, it could prove to be an overwhelming experience for JJ Redick.

Why JJ Redick desires to be an NBA head coach

Redick is a trailblazer in the community of player podcasts. He was arguably the first to popularise active NBA stars having their independent platform to speak. Several NBA players like Paul George and Draymond Green followed suit. Moreover, his ability to call games was quickly identified by ABC who hired him as a broadcaster. Then why take on a challenge many NBA legends before him have failed at miserably?

It is to feel the rush of emotions once again. Redick yearns to be in the locker room again. “What I really miss is the juice. I miss the action, I miss the competition, I miss leadership, I miss being on a team. In a locker room, physically in a locker room after winning a road game. You miss that stuff” said Redick when speaking to Richard Jefferson and Channing Fyre. “It’s the other moments that I feel we all miss as ex-athletes. And the part about coaching in general is the things that I miss and the things that I love doing that involves coaching. That all is part of coaching. That’s all”. 

Previously, Redick tried to land the head coaching job with the Charlotte Hornets before the seat was given to Charles Lee, a man with a decade full of experience as an assistant coach in the NBA. Now, the former Dallas Mavericks guard might just get what he desires. He is starting from a position most head coaches dream of being at.

The Laker’s job is considered amongst the toughest and for good reason. With its rich history, the Lakers are expected to be competing for a title every season. That’s the very core of the job. Can Redick instantly turn things around and help LeBron James in his chase for a fifth title? Let us know what you think in the comments below.