JJ Redick Visibly Uncomfortable As Lakers Continue Rich Paul’s Campaign On Breaking LeBron James Misconception

Darvin Ham’s head coach tenure with the LA Lakers lasted only two years. Considering the long coaching experience he had, people wondered who would replace him. But when Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka announced, “We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers,” all hell broke loose. Why?

Well, not too long ago LeBron James and JJ Redick‘s partnership on their Mind The Game podcast led to some chatter. The fact that Ham’s firing took place not too soon after made people suspicious. The Purple & Gold started searching for a new leader and soon announced the ESPN analyst as a frontrunner, who ended up beating UConn’s Dan Hurley in the race.

Now Redick is the new HC of the team and while many have been speculating about James’s involvement in this decision, the former made things clear. In the press conference as the head coach, he stated while looking slightly uncomfortable, “He didn’t provide any advice.” 

“LeBron and I did not talk about the Lakers job until Thursday afternoon about 30 minutes after I was offered the job. That was very intentional on both our parts. I knew I had an understanding that he did not want to be involved in this,” the former Orlando star clarified while also making it clear that he “did not want to go down the path of hypotheticals…”

Still, the fact that a storied franchise, on the lookout for its 18th title, would be willing to hand the reins of a team boasting one of the biggest names in basketball folklore to someone with zero coaching experience at any level, a rookie in all its fairness, shocked many. With this, he will be the 29th head coach in franchise history.

There was a slight relief when UConn’s Hurley emerged as the top candidate, but for some reason, their negotiation fell through. Seemingly, he favored a 3-peat in the NCAA instead of a 6-year $70 million contract. And when Redick got the job, many speculated that it was because of LeBron James.

Believe it or not, the ‘Akron Hammer’ never left the NBA news headlines after Los Angeles’ early playoff exit. With Bronny’s NBA draft and the head coaching rumors, his name was constantly at the helm of it all, even with his agent strongly denying all such allegations.

Rich Paul & Rob Pelinka stand strong on LeBron James’ non-involvement

In an exclusive interview by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Rich Paul (James’ agent) set a few matters straight. And naturally, one of them concerned JJ Redick. The Klutch Sports CEO put it as simply as one could. “LeBron is not involved.” However, he pointed out that the public would always want a narrative. But given his superstar status and extensive experience, it is only natural to assume that the decision-makers would want to hear his opinions before making one.

However, Paul clarified that the franchise’s focus should be more on Anthony Davis and not the 39-year-old. “People just think he controls the team. There’s no controlling of the team. And JJ is a friend. We respect JJ…whatever that decision is, that’ll be an organizational decision. It’s as simple as that,” he concluded.

Interestingly, the new head coach gave the fanbase a glimpse that he ran his new plan to use AD as “a hub” with the star already. Also, with James‘ “Coach Killer” moniker, things were not in the least easy. Amidst all this, Rob Pelinka had something to say regarding the 4x-champion’s future course of action, too.

He indirectly supported the other two Bron advocates. “We want to respect and honor LeBron’s ability on June 29th to make a decision about his contract,” Pelinka said. He was, of course, referring to LeBron James’ free agency and player option.

Given Rob was keeping in mind that they might lose the ‘L Train’ for good, it would make at least a few wonder what LeBron James would gain from pushing JJ Redick forth as the head coach. Well, despite it all, JJ is the Lakers’ new HC. All we can do is hope he will be enough to turn the season around and that he won’t face the same fate as his predecessors.

It is interesting to know that none of the most recent coaches enjoyed extended stays in the team. Here’s how long the last five head coaches stayed:

What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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