“Never Wanted You to Be My Head Coach”: LeBron James Warned About JJ Redick, as Potential Millions in Losses Looms

The NBA playoffs are entering it’s most tantalizing stages. The Conference Finals stand only a day away. However, no matter the gravity of the event, the media can’t stop talking about the Los Angeles Lakers. The LeBron James-led side were kicked out of the first round by the Denver Nuggets in five games. It was followed by a blunt interview from Darvin Ham, days after which he was fired from the position. From that moment, the incessant search for a new head coach remains top priority.

In the following weeks, several candidates were shortlisted by the Lakers. The Purple and Gold even held personal interviews with them upon attaining permission from the NBA. Amongst the favorites are three – Celtics assistant coach and former NBA player Sam Cassell, Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego and veteran NBA guard turned analyst JJ Reddick.

During the recent Bill Simmons podcast, the host along with his guest discussed the Lakers’ head coaching situation and named their picks for the same. However, they were also hoping for Reddick to be hired, but it had goofy causes behind it.

LeBron James will fire Reddick if the Lakers don’t win?

Bill Simmons had Ryan Russillo on his podcast after the Timberwolves’ stunning win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. They both reeled off Micah Nori’s herculean management of the young Wolves with head coach Chris Finch hobbled. Incidentally, they also discussed Nori filling the head coach vacancy for the Lakers.

Russillo however had his pick ready. He is hoping to see James Borrego, the assistant coach of the Pelicans steer the Lakers ship in the right direction. He was thoroughly inspired by his stint with the Charlotte Hornets. Borrego led them to the play-in tournament in consecutive seasons and instated a glorious offensive system.

The only predicament? Russillo was of the opinion the Lakers won’t consider the Pelicans assistant coach “sexy” enough for the position. Hence, he jokingly made a case for JJ Reddick to take the HC seat and even projected him having to face the transparency of LeBron James if he can’t turn the tide in the Lakers’ favor.

“I kind of would like, I’d like to see JJ get it. No, I think JJ could get it, but then it would be hilarious if they don’t win enough and then he gets fired and LeBron on their podcast together says, ‘You know, I actually never wanted you to be my head coach,”. Russillo said. If this is how the events unfold, the podcast’s future might be in jeopardy. They could potentially shut the podcast if he seals the job. This could account for millions in losses. Moreover, if the experiment fails, ‘Mind The Game’ might disperse altogether.

Reddick is considered among the favorites to take over the Lakers job. He is yet to have any coaching role in the NBA. Yet his analytical and depth of knowledge are rated even by the greats of the game. Then of course he has an unfair advantage in the matter with their shared podcast together as mentioned above. The partnership rockets his chances of being the next Lakers head coach.

As far as his capabilities go, everything remains uncertain. There are no receipts of the sharpshooter coaching or managing a team. He wasn’t recognized as a locker room leader either. However, his intellect and advanced knowledge could prove to be vital for a team that is trying to get back in order.

Would you support the hiring of JJ Reddick? Let us know your views in the comments below.