Lakers News: Jeanie Buss could Envision JJ Redick as her Successor, as similarities with Millionaire Executive Emerge

Amidst the Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach troubles, sources have reported that JJ Redick could soon be joining Los Angeles. It seems that former NBA player and current media personality, Redick may be destined to go down the same path as Pat Riley, Lakers’ former Executive Manager. Riley transitioned from being an NBA player to a Media personality before he kickstarted his coaching and executive career.

NBA insider Shams Charania drew a parallel between Redick and Riley. If he joins the Lakers, Redick might end up replacing Jeanie Buss. Here’s why this is plausible.

JJ Redick to follow in Pat Riley’s footsteps?

Redick has been one of the most popular candidates for the Lakers’ empty head coach position. Fans and analysts alike have been speculating this union for some time now. Now that the team has begun its hiring process, they have met with JJ Redick, James Borrego, and Sam Cassell among others. Shams Charania said, “We’ve talked about JJ Redick at length. He’s LeBron James’ podcast partner. The Lakers as an organization have had an infatuation with him. As a potential candidate, what his future could look like as head coach in the NBA, you think about Pat Riley making the jump from media to coaching. They view JJ Redick as potentially similar to that.”

Redick retired from the NBA after a 15-year-long stint. In January 2016, Redick started a podcast with Yahoo! Sports, making him the first active NBA star to have a podcast. Since then, he has been keeping up with the game in a slightly different way. He currently co-hosts a podcast with LeBron James called ‘Mind the Game’. Also, has another ongoing podcast with Tommy Alter called ‘The Old Man and the Three’. He is popular among fans for his insights on the game and his attention to detail.

Pat Riley’s legendary career serves as a point of comparison for Redick’s possible route from the media to executive roles. Riley, who switched careers in the early 1980s from broadcasting to coaching, went on to become one of the most successful executives in NBA history. During his time with the Lakers, he led them to four consecutive finals appearances. Riley is currently managing the Miami Heat. If Redick follows a similar trajectory, he could very well end up like Riley. The chances of Redick joining forces with the Lakers are high, take a look at their hiring process.

Lakers begins its hiring process, meets with JJ Redick and others

According to sources at The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers have begun interviewing potential head coaches. JJ Redick, James Borrego (associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans), and Sam Cassell (assistant coach of the Boston Celtics) are among those who were interviewed. The Lakers have also scheduled meetings with assistant coaches David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets, Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat.

Despite floating rumors claiming that the Lakers want to hire Redick to appease LeBron, James’ representative and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul rejected the claims. “LeBron James and JJ Redick, they do a podcast together. That does not mean that (James) wants Redick as his head coach,” he said. James has a June 29 deadline to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024–2025 season. Since he will probably play two more seasons, both options of opting in or out are being evaluated. Therefore, the next head coach will be more important with regards to star player Anthony Davis. He will be playing for them for a while. Davis has recently formed a good rapport with head coach candidate Borrego when the duo briefly worked together in New Orleans.

As the Lakers continue their methodical process, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has reportedly been their unofficial advisor. The Lakers are looking for a coach who can take charge of the locker room, enforce discipline and accountability, and provide meticulous game planning and organization. Stay tuned to find out if JJ Redick can score the job.