Lakers News: Hornets Shocking Decision Gives JJ Reddick Green Signal to Become LeBron’s Coach

Since the point of firing Darvin Ham, Laker Nation has been scratching their heads. Who will be the next head coach of this historic franchise? The likes of JJ Redick, Ty Lue, and Budenholzer stepped up. However, they weren’t the only team looking for a new culture. The Charlotte Hornets also had that spot vacant. Until recently, when they announced their replacement for 10-year-long head coach Steve Clifford.

The Hornets named Boston Celtics’ assistant coach Charles Lee will take the helm in Charlotte. He will complete the playoffs with the Shamrock this season before navigating to his next job. Lee has a history of successful ventures as an assistant coach. His coaching career began in 2014 with the Atlanta Hawks. Lee’s most notable achievement came under Mike Budenholzr in 2021 when he helped the Milwaukee Bucks lift a championship.

Over his 10-year reign as assistant coach, Lee has a record of 50-291. “The opportunity to be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets is a dream come true. I want to thank Rick Schnall, Gabe Plotkin, and Jeff Peterson for the trust they are placing in me to lead this team. The Hornets have a talented young core of players and I’m excited about our future and what we can build here. There are few places as passionate about basketball as the Carolinas, and I look forward to coming to Charlotte and getting to work,” Lee said in his statement.

The decision to hire Charles Lee doesn’t just delight fans of the Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers also rode off the celebrations as their prime target still remains on the market.

JJ Reddick is bound to become the Lakers HC?

Ham’s stint with the Lakers was eventful, to say the least. He led them to the Western Conference Finals last season before crashing out in the first round this year. There were also reports suggesting discourse in the locker room between Ham and several other players, D’Angelo Russell being one of them.

Understandingly, parting ways seemed to be the right choice for both parties. With the Hornets hiring Lee, it gives the Lakers a free run to pitch to all their shortlisted candidates – Reddick being amongst them. JJ Redick has garnered heaps of support to assume control of the Lakers since his ascension as a broadcaster.

He sees the game from an analytical point of view. It correlates perfectly with none other than LeBron James. The two view basketball from an eerily similar lens. Their love for the game extended to the point they began a podcast together called ‘Mind the Game’. It’s well-documented how the Lakers consult the Akron Hammer when making decisions based on the team.

His and Redick’s blossoming friendships could well turn into the latter, becoming the next head coach of the Lakers. The 15-year veteran has shown flashes of having what it takes to manage such a high-profile team with future HOFers. But it’s a whole new experience actually being on the floor and having to take accountability for results.

Do you think JJ Redick should take on this role? Let us know your views in the comments below.