Lakers’ Rumored Next Coach Demanding Massive 8-figure-Amount Makes JJ Redick Frontrunner for the Job

The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in a familiar spot again, they are once again looking for their Head Coach. Their crushing NBA Playoffs exit resulted in the firing of Coach Darvin Ham. The team is currently without leadership and as the team explores their options, certain names have come up. Los Angeles might be eyeing former Milwaukee Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer and first-timer, JJ Redick.

Veteran NBA Analyst, Brian Windhorst talked about the Lakers’ possible options on ESPN’s ‘Get Up.’ Rumors have been circulating about the team’s possible move. Some think that they might hire another first-time coach again.

Can the Lakers afford Mike Budenholzer?

Mike Budenholzer recently left the Milwaukee Bucks after coaching them for five seasons and leading them to championship victory. He was fired by the Bucks last season after they lost 4-1 in Round 1 of playoffs to Miami Heat. Now that he might be back in the business, he may collect the biggest coaching contract this offseason.

According to Brian Windhorst, even if the Lakers tried to get Mike, they wouldn’t be able to afford him. “It’s gonna take 8 figures a year to hire Budenholzer,” said Windhorst. Budenholzer will probably ask for a much larger amount than the team is willing to dish out. In fact, Darvin Ham’s 4-year contract was reportedly only around $3-5 million. Windhorst went on to say, “Typically, Mike wants to have a lot of say and control.” Implying that perhaps such an agreement would not work out for the Lakers.

The conversation then shifts towards another prospective coach; JJ Redick. The former NBA Player has no coaching experience but his brilliance is widely acknowledged. Teams have started showing interest in him and it is possible that the Lakers might be among them. Here’s why he might be a possible candidate.

Will Lakers be JJ Redick’s coaching debut?

Boston Celtics’ Head Coach Joe Mazzulla publicly admitted to wanting to get Redick on board his team. The Toronto Raptors also showed interest in him last season. This season, the Charlotte Hornets have approached him. Redick seems to be a popular candidate. But will he fit well with the Los Angeles Lakers?

Jay Williams does not think so. On the same episode, he poses a question to the former Orlando player. “JJ Redick, is that the job you want for your first head-coaching position?” He continued, “We’re talking about this (The Lakers) being a ‘depth trap’ for a lot of coaches in two years.” Los Angeles has had a rocky track record when it comes to its Head Coaches. After Phil Jackson’s departure in 2011, no Lakers coach has stayed for more than three seasons.

But is JJ even a likely possibility? Los Angeles has a history of hiring ‘un-experienced’ coaches so his lack of experience may not be a problem. But after their experience with Ham, they may shift in the opposite direction. If Redick takes on the Lakers as his first coaching job, he is in for a ride. Having to coach LeBron James on your first gig will not be the easiest job but JJ has an upper hand. He is quite close with James and they host a popular podcast together called ‘Mind the Game.’ It is possible that the player might even root for him. If JJ is to join the Lakers, will it pan out to be another failure or will the Lakers finally see playoffs success?