The head coach race for the Los Angeles Lakers has caught the attention of fans, spreading rumors of increasing LeGM effect. The NBA community has been going on and on about Darvin Ham’s speculated pre-planned termination from the team. One of the recent outbursts was from the NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith when he was having a chat with NBA legend Kendrick Perkins on the show The First Take. Smith nullified how slowly everyone was getting to think LeBron James had no hand in the coach hunt.
“We all know JJ Redick is the leading candidate for this job. … Stop the B.S., ” Stephen A. Smith shut down all the statements from NBA reporter Shams Charania, claiming that LeBron “had no conversations with the Lakers about JJ Redick.” Smith also tried to expose the motive behind the podcast ‘Mind The Game,’ which started in March of this year. “What are we supposed to believe when you know good damn well that Darvin Ham is on the hot seat, and you start a podcast with JJ Redick…. and then lo and behold, JJ Redick is the leading candidate for the Lakers job.”
"We all know JJ Redick is the leading candidate for this job. … Stop the B.S." @stephenasmith speaks on the Lakers head coaching vacancy 😅 pic.twitter.com/TcjY4PxFUX
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 24, 2024
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Well, these implications also raise questions about Jeanie Buss’ say in the Lakers management. She is the co-owner of the LA Lakers. However, LeBron seems to be the one reportedly taking all the calls regarding the ouster and recruitment. James had many disagreements with Darvin Ham this season. Reportedly, he would “roll his eyes,” as per the Lakers Daily’s Andrew Irvin. After that, the purple and gold jerseys could not make it past the first round of playoffs, and the coach was soon shown the way out without any hesitation.
However, it is the only incident where LeBron has been claimed to be carrying the narrative. A statement from LeBron for a potential future Lakers player also got the NBA community’s attention.
Is LeBron James looking to get an unexpected recruit at the Lakers?
Recently, while NBA enthusiasts were talking about LeBron James and JJ Redick on their Entirely NBA podcast, they pointed out an insinuation. The reference was from Redick and James’ podcast, where King James was praising the Indiana Pacers star T.J. McConnell. The 32-year-old point guard is a basketball star and one of James’ “favorite player” right now in the NBA. The latter also drew parallels between McConnell and Draymond Green during the podcast.
However, the Entirely NBA podcast host pointed out how JJ Redick smirked when LeBron talked about McConnell. The host evidently claimed that this is the hint that James is looking at to get McConnell to join the Lakers next year. He has been with the Pacers for the last three years, and next season will be the last year for him, according to his contract. No wonder James might be dreaming of such an excellent performer playing beside him.
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But the talk was not only about McConnell here. The Entirely NBA host drew the same conclusion for Redick and claimed that he is following the same path to get the Lakers’ head coach position. With so many theories and predictions for the guiding seat in Los Angeles, any addition would just be added baggage for the fans. Therefore, comment on your best choice for the Lakers coach and check out what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius; watch this video.
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