Lakers News: Coach JJ Redick’s Desperate Plea To This NBA Legend Could Stop Anthony Davis From Demanding A Trade

So the rumors were right. JJ Redick was always on Rob Pelinka & Jeanie Buss’ radar for the Head Coach role and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news online. The Los Angeles Lakers and JJ have reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with $8 million per year as the salary. He went through extensive interviews where they supposedly dove deep into strategies and focused heavily on building a healthy culture. A report by The Athletic also claimed that JJ Redick spoke to Anthony Davis on call and got his blessings.

The report stated that Rob Pelinka “prioritized Davis’ voice in the process and ensured that he understood the shared vision”. While no comments were made on LeBron James’ role, it was stated that some key players were consulted. Sources also discussed JJ’s supporting staff and ex-Lakers star Rajon Rondo led the list as assistant coach. Udonis Haslem was quick to react. He was careful not to declare anything since confirmation has yet to drop. But he claimed that including Rajon in the coaching staff is a smart move.

He stated that Rajon’s relationship with Anthony Davis will be key to JJ Redick. He said, “Now you have a guy who is constantly going to be in AD’s ear and you have a guy that’s going to be a communicator between you and what AD needs.” 

UD brought up the element of trust. He said, “Trust is huge in today’s NBA. Trust is maybe the biggest thing that you gotta have for your locker room and your guys, and to get your guys on the same page.” The Miami Heat Legend dwelled in this conversation after Kendrick Perkins’ speculation.

He stated that a scenario could be of Davis demanding a trade from the Lakers. “If JJ Redick is not thriving and Anthony Davis is not playing at an elite level and he’s not happy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants out of LA.” he detailed.

Anthony Davis & Rajon Rondo’s Relationship

In an interview from 2020, Anthony Davis spoke about Rajon Rondo. He claimed that he first spoke to Rajon after he was traded to the Lakers. He said, “I told him I wanted him to come back. I knew how much I excelled with him and how much of a leader he is and his mindset on the floor and his will to win.”

“To have a guy like that with a basketball mind and his IQ…he knows what it takes. Me and him just click,” he added. Additionally, Davis and Rajon played for the Lakers together but also were teammates during their tenure with the Pelicans. Rajon has also expected the best from Davis, giving fans ‘teammates goals’. In 2019, Rajon demanded the Lakers to win the MVP and Defensive Player of The Year award. He said, “So if he only gets one, I’ll be [angry]. My expectations are really high for him, so we have to continue to win as a team.”

Coincidentally, a few months ago, AD portrayed a sense of surprise because Rondo wasn’t on any team’s coaching staff yet. The Lakers star called him “very cerebral” while showcasing his confidence in his former teammate. So naturally, with Rajon in the Lakers coaching staff- the element of harmony and clear communication in the locker room gets amplified. Furthermore, the worries of Davis being upset won’t exist anymore. Do you agree with the Lakers’ decision? Let us know in the comments below.