JJ Redick’s Lakers Job Confirmed after Mysterious ESPN Absence & On-Air Slip Up by NBA Legend, Per LA Insider

The Los Angeles Lakers and JJ Redick’s romance has been brewing for a while now. With no news from the front office and all the back-forth about ex-head coach Dan Harvim’s replacement, fans had been growing impatient. But we might have a possible confirmation of LA’s decision.

After an interesting episode of ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ where the usual regular Redick was absent and co-host Jay Williams may have accidentally disclosed the reason behind his absence. After he mysteriously wished Redick luck on his first head coach job, Williams raised a few eyebrows. Lakers insider Anthony Irwin confirmed suspicions after he disclosed what “people close to the situation” relayed to him. Irwin said, “According to people close to the situation who can’t speak publicly, the Lakers and JJ Redick have moved forward and Redick is going to be head coach of the LA Lakers.”

Irwin also pointed out a few crucial elements that bolster this disclosure. Redick was noticeably absent from today’s ESPN First Take program, even though he was a part of the Finals coverage the night before. Irwin believes that Redick’s absence may be due to his possible presence in Los Angeles to finalize his contract with the Lakers.

The news has started to spread like wildfire and many have even accused Irwin of falsifying reports. Veteran analyst Shams Charania came on the record at the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ to share what he knows so far. According to Shams, even though Redick’s meetings with the Lakers have been going very well and he’s frontrunner for the position, the deal hasn’t been sealed yet.

For now, it is hard to say anything with certainty. After Dan Hurley’s rejection, the Lakers wouldn’t want to delay the decision any further. But is Redick the only candidate they have their eyes on?

JJ Redick and the other candidates in line to replace Darvin Ham

After Hurley’s rejection, the team has been focusing on Redick and James Borrego, associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. The case for Redick as a coach is clear; although inexperienced, his basketball IQ is unmatched. His podcast, ‘Mind the Game’ with Lakers star LeBron James is a testament to the same. The former NBA star is widely acknowledged for his knowledge of the game.

He has also been rumored to be a favorite candidate because of his relationship with LeBron. Many have claimed that his friendship with the player plays a major factor in the team’s decision-making process although the player and his agent have both denied such involvement.

James Borrego, who’s among the best coaches in the league, has worked with Lakers player Anthony Davis in the past. Since Lebron’s future at LA is uncertain right now, the Lakers might hire a coach keeping AD in mind. In which case, Borrego might be the way to go.

The team has made us all wait long enough. Soon, the drawn-out hiring saga should come to an end and people are jumping to place their bets. Who do you think is going to lead the Lakers next season? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, check out what Shaq’s former manager said about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.