JJ Redick broke his silence on the Dan Hurley situation that almost took away his opportunity. When the LA Lakers dismissed Darvin Ham from the fold, Redick immediately emerged as the front-runner for the role. While it seemed like the team could announce it officially anytime, UConn’s coach Dan Hurley came into the picture linked to a $70 million offer. Nevertheless, it was just a matter of a few days until Redick took over. Now, after the official announcement, the former NBA star narrated his side of the story.

The Lakers GM Rob Pelinka formally introduced the team’s new coach to the press. And the room full of reporters fired at the duo with important questions. Of course, they couldn’t get away without answering about the $70 million stunning proposition. Pelinka, speaking of it, said, “Happy to talk more about the entire process at another time. Today’s sort of JJ’s day.” However, Pelinka continued, saying they were “transparent” with Redick about the coaching hunt. Importantly, he believed that their partnership solidified after they kept each other in the loop.

On the other hand, JJ Redick candidly opened up about his version. He revealed how Pelinka was “quick to call” him when the Dan Hurley news leaked and kept him in the “loop” throughout the 4-day odd process. Importantly, he added, “At no point was my ego or feelings hurt or bruised in any way.” But, at the same time, he had his ways to cope with this adversity.

Following that, Redick went on to take a dig at himself, comparing his resume with Hurley’s. It’s no doubt that the 51-year-old has a rich coaching experience at the NCAA level while Redick wasn’t anywhere close to it. Addressing that contrast, he said, “Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn. I am a two-time 55 Swish League champion in the third and fourth-grade division,” leaving Pelinka to crack up at JJ’s introductory presser. That brings us to the flaming hot next question.

How will JJ Redick coach the Lakers despite his inexperience?

When JJ emerged as the front-runner for the role, there were a lot of questions looming. Firstly, the LA side moved away from their tradition and hired a non-Lakers player/staff as a coach. Secondly, and most importantly, Redick doesn’t have a sound resume. While everyone thought the Lakers had a throw at the dice, Redick himself cleared the air. During the press conference, the former star opened up about his coaching drive and the influential minds behind it. He added, “After I interviewed for the Toronto job last year. I knew that I wanted to be a head coach in the NBA.”

The 39-year-old then revealed how he prepared for the job following his desire. Redick added, “I spent a lot of time talking to coaches… talking with GMs, picking their brains.” He further added how he has surrounded himself with a “small circle” of friends who are currently working in the NBA. Moreover, he ended it with a punch, saying, “I have zero coaching experience in the NBA. but I would argue that I’m very experienced and it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke.” 

Nevertheless, the league has also seen young coaches in their mid-thirties guide their teams to championships. Most recently, 35-year-old Joe Mazzula spearheaded the Boston Celtics for a dominating title win. JJ Redick can also produce a similar run, can’t he?

Do you think Redick will turn things around for the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.