The Lakers have been navigating the shallow and deep waters of the NBA lately. In a desperate attempt to solidify the team’s glory, GM, Rob Pelinka is willing to go to any extent. However, in recent times, the trade market and the cost cap scenes haven’t been on the 17x champion team’s side. Therefore, the front office is looking for ways to make their game stronger instead. And for that, JJ Redick might be the best option in the market.

Surprisingly, the former NBA hooper was not Jeanie Buss’ first choice for the Head Coach’s post. She rather preferred UConn’s ringmaster Dan Hurley who brought back-to-back NCAA championships for the college basketball team. After dismissing their HC, Darvin Ham, the team was looking for the right replacement, and given the wonders Hurley did at the NCAA in 2023 and 2024, the Lakers front office pursued him. Unfortunately, he refused a six-year, $70 million contract with the gold and purple. This led them to turn their heads back at JJ Redick, who was just relishing his time at golf.

Redick revealed to Zach Lowe that he first learned the Lakers were considering other options and had Dan Hurley as their top choice from the NBA insider’s message. “And I was like ‘Oh s***, okay!’ It was not like it was not surprising, you know this is an organization and as a front office, you have to explore every opportunity.” The former Mavericks hooper shared. He added: “I wasn’t offended. My feelings weren’t hurt. I think more so than anything in that sort of like the first wave of news was like an assumption that he (Dan Hurley) was gonna take the job. Obviously, he didn’t, which was great for me.”

It seems like JJ Redick had a rather candid reaction on hearing the news. Of course, being in the sport for decades, the 40YO knows how the system functions. Moreover, if the Lakers’ front office wanted to find a ‘better’ coach they should’ve opted for it. But, as the story goes, Dan Hurley offered disappointment to Jeanie Buss & Co., and the team settled for Redick for a 4-year, $8 million/season salary.

Jeanie Buss says JJ Redick is the “right person” to coach the Lakers amidst “cheating” stunner

Dan Hurley has been with Connecticut for six years now. Therefore, when he was asked to meet Jeanie Buss at the Lakers HQ, his wife, Andrea said: “It felt yucky because we have it’s like you’re cheating on your family.” She felt her husband’s meeting with the Lakers front office was like betraying the close-knit UConn family. However, she did not shy away from admitting the generous hospitality they experienced at the NBA giant’s office. “I’m sitting at the table and I was like, you know, looking at the colors and the Lakers sign and just like, wow. This is numbing. You know, it’s amazing. And then you’re seeing all the people you only see on TV.” 

Hurley’s wife was proud of how far her husband had come in his career. However, the duo, especially Dan decided it wasn’t time for him to leave Connecticut. Meanwhile, the controlling owner of the Lakers, Jeanie admitted that JJ Redick was the “right person” to become the HC. She further expressed excitement about the hire, emphasizing Redick’s focus on developing young players. Buss also noted that since JJ Redick comes from an NBA background, his extensive understanding of the players and the game would be helpful for the Lakers.

His presence will strengthen the team’s coaching staff which includes seasoned coaches like Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks. While Redick lacks NBA coaching experience, the organization is optimistic about his potential to lead the team effectively. The Lakers’ offseason work with players is already underway, and Buss believes it’s crucial to let Redick’s work speak for itself.

And now that the preseason knocks at the door, JJ Redick’s post and importance will be elevated. The Los Angeles Lakers will be dependent on his input in the strategies and hopefully, a new perspective will emerge. The team needs a fresh mind, and Redick is surely the one they’re looking up to.