Lakers Insider: Rob Pelinka Keen On Project JJ Redick As Solid Excuse Could Save His Job If LeBron’s Best Friend Fails

After the disappointing end, the Lakers have picked up their pace for next season. LeBron James and Co. crashed out of the postseason and immediately began their preparations for the 2024-25 season. Firstly, the management dismissed their 2-season experienced coach Darvin Ham. In the same vein, JJ Redick popped up in the frontline as the next possible head coach as per various reports. Now, a bit of a leak about a certain “safe hire” has surfaced.

As the JJ Redick update marinated for a while, a recent development solidified his recruitment but also exposed Rob Pelinka. Lakers Daily revealed the inside information from the Lakers’ fold. The report dropped a hint at the Lakers GM’s master plan behind roping in Redick that will help save his job. A source mentioned, “If they hire JJ, and it doesn’t work out… Rob [Pelinka] can basically tell Jeanie [Buss] the hire was for LeBron [James] and get another chance at hiring whoever comes next”.

“This is technically the safest hire he could make, outside of Ty somehow being available.” Before straightening out the coaching issue, the Lakers had the important task of keeping LeBron James committed. Everyone who followed the LA side in the 2023-24 season would know the tension between the superstar and Darvin Ham. Many saw Ham’s dismissal coming from a mile away, as James wasn’t visibly pleased with him throughout the season.

Importantly, with King James entering into player option this season, the Lakers can’t afford to risk his exit. So the franchise might have dismissed Ham despite his successful two-season stint, as claimed by many experts. Notably, the veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith unleashed his wrath on LeBron James immediately after the coach’s dismissal. Smith even went up on his YouTube channel and asked the superstar to take more ‘accountability’.

Will JJ Redick fill LeBron James and Co.’s head coach vacancy?

The insiders didn’t wait for too long and shared reports regarding JJ Redick’s possibility of becoming the Lakers’ new head coach immediately after Ham’s exit. Moreover, LeBron James’ latest podcast alongside Redick only authenticated the rumors. While the NBA world almost believes that Redick will take over the coach’s chair, there is an exciting twist.

The same Lakers Daily article revealed Rob Pelinka’s master plan to play the safe game, it also revealed the uncertainty. Despite the massive media attention on Redick’s coaching role, he reportedly went through an interview process alongside James Borrego, Kenny Atkinson, David Adelman, Micah Nori, Chris Quinn, and a few others.

The inclusion of other coaches in the interview process only makes it less likely for Redick to get that job. The article also stated that there is ‘no guarantee’ that James’ best friend could seal the role. However, it could vanish in a moment while considering the superstar’s player option. The management may not want to gamble with their star in the attempt to hire someone else other than Redick.

Will Redick end up being the Lakers’ coach? Let us know in the comments below.