Lakers News: Coach JJ Redick’s Resignation From ESPN Likely Thanks To Tyronn Lue’s Record Breaking Decision

It was like the calm before the storm at the league offices this morning. The whole world focused on analyzing the Western Conference Finals, but moments later, news broke that the Los Angeles Clippers and Tyronn Lue had finally agreed.

ESPN’s Woj stated that “Coach Ty Lue has agreed on a new long-term contract that’ll make him one of the league’s highest paid coaches.”

Immediately, speculations arose that this development was going to affect the Los Angeles Lakers. As per previous reports, Ty Lue was an option for Rob Pelinka since he and LeBron James have a glorified history. However, with Coach Lue out of contention, the Lakers‘ choice for coach seems clear to many – and that choice is JJ Redick.

Redick, who currently works with ESPN, might as well pack his bags and move to LA – was a thought that circulated online. Another rumor that broke was that JJ had already started making calls to finalize his list of potential assistant coaches.

As per ex-Utah Jazz manager Kevin O’Connor, Tyronn Lue getting out of the equation increases the chances for JJ Redick to become the Lakers coach. After reading the situation, it is probable that Redick might quit his job as the on-air NBA analyst for ESPN. The chances for the NBA player to become a permanent coach are falling in sync now. Even NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith also recently claimed that JJ Redick is the leading man for the head coach despite all the explanations and theories.

JJ Redick’s head coach possibility raises questions for the Clippers Camp

According to the Athletic insider Shams Charania, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has given a $70 million extension to Lue over the period of five years. However, it also raised concerns from Kevin O’Connor about Paul George. The Clippers shooting guard has not signed an extension yet with the management. It looks like the All-Star player is not getting the amount that he demanded in the extension. That’s why the deal is not ready yet.

“If the Clippers are dropping the bag for Ty Lue I don’t see why they wouldn’t for Paul George, “ O’Connor raised his voice to Steve Ballmer. Nevertheless, the concern seems genuine. A player like Paul George does not like to let go so easily. Moreover, if the front office has the ability to offer such a lucrative offer to Ty Lue. Why the front office is not getting in agreement with their 34-year-old player?

Maybe the Clippers front office is looking at the numerical age of Paul George. On top of that, he is injury-prone and currently at this stage of his life. If the team invests in such an asset, there is a high amount of risk. On the other hand, Lue has delivered consistently over the last four years. He even took the team to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 2021. Moreover, Lue has now opened the coach gate for JJ Redick. It will be worth watching when the Lakers are going to accept Redick with every ball lying in his bag. Till then, check out what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius through this video.