JJ Redick Coaching Staff: 7 Possible Candidates to Replace Phil Handy & Co, a Month After Lakers’ Mass Firing

After a disappointing 1st-round exit this postseason, the Lakers fired its entire coaching staff including Darvin Ham. Looking at how the Lakers have struggled in the last 4 years, it was about time that the front office brought some serious reform. They’ve taken their first step, as they hired JJ Redick on a four-year deal, as the next head coach. Not only that, but JJ is also responsible for hiring the coaching staff. He certainly knows who would be best suited, being an ex-player himself. The Magic vet has eyes on quite a few names, including some former members of the Lakers.

Rajon Rondo, Jared Dudley, Scott Brooks, Brett Brown, Stan Van Gundy, JB Bickerstaff, and Sam Cassell are some of the popular names churning through the rumor mill to join Redick on the staff sheet. However, some of them would likely not be moving forward with the Lakers. Redick’s A-team for his coaching staff seems quite demanding at first. However, here are some of the barriers they could face, especially with pursuing two names.

As per @TheSteinLine via Trevor Lane on X, the Celtics plan to stick around with Cassell, and if that’s the case after their Championship victory, that straightaway rules him out of the Lakers race. On the other hand, the Pelicans reportedly would want to retain the services of James Borrego, should the Pistons or Cavs not look at him.

It’s also quite a similar case with Dudley, as the Mavs seemingly want to keep him. Notably, one of the reasons why Redick wants these names with him is because adding depth to your coaching staff only brings in the best in a team. Out of all, Rondo is a vet who can guide guys like Reaves and Russell to develop better chemistry in the backcourt.

Stan Van Gundy, arguably the greatest minds in basketball, can be the bedrock of the staff. It won’t be a surprise if the new HC suggests some changes to the roster with respect to his rotations. Greg St. Jean, who is currently at the Suns, and Miles Simon, a former Phoenix coach, are two names who could also join the reputed Lakers roster. JJ is preparing for nothing less than a chip. It will be interesting to see who will join him.

JJ Redick’s LA mission has just started and it won’t be easy

With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell being the core, Redick will try to come up with the best squad of his own. There are a few ‘right’ changes to be made in the roster, though other than that, all seems pretty stable with the Lakers. The Purple and Gold jersey owners will be looking out for shooters this offseason. Pelinka picked Redick’s way of approaching players and his knowledge of the modern game over any other attribute.

Trying to build a squad in LA, Redick seems to be onto something. That being said, the word from the King is what fans await. There are chances that he might become a free agent, but it doesn’t seem so after Redick’s appointment. Names like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and Donovan Mitchell have been long-linked to the LA side.

With the draft coming closer, even the speculations surrounding Bronny are gaining more pace. With the Lakers not possessing the best picks to draft or trade, nor the best spending ability, it remains to be seen how JJ approaches the situation.

What are your thoughts on everything currently going on at the franchise? Let us know in the comments.

For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.