The head coach job for the Lakers is still vacant, and it will be a month since they were eliminated from the playoffs. A lot of candidates have emerged over the last few weeks, like Sam Cassell, Phil Handy, etc. However, JJ Redick seems to be the front-runner. While some believe his chemistry with LeBron James might work out well for the franchise, a 3x NBA champion has a few detrimental reasons against Redick.

Lakers legend Bryon Scott suggested a few days ago that LeBron James should become a player-coach for his team like Bill Russel did for the Boston Celtics in the 1960s. Sadly, it is not a possibility because of the league’s rules. So Scott shared a few names he believes would be a perfect fit in LA. But this list does not have JJ Redick’s name. 

In an interview with Colin Cowherd, he shared, “JJ, the only thing I have that I would say I have against him coming in right off the streets to be the Lakers head coach. He has no experience. He’s never coached.” This is the same criticism that a few other retired players had. Scott suggested Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell take the upgrade. “Everywhere he’s been has done well,” Scott asserted.

Mark Jackson was his second suggestion to head the Purple and Yellow Army. Not many have found success in the NBA by becoming a head coach directly. For example, Sam Cassell has been an assistant coach for 14 years, and his expertise is why the Lakers are interested in hiring him. However, there are a few more reasons that Scott delved into. 

Why would it be hard for JJ Redick to coach the Lakers? 

Scott shared in the above interview, “You have to make every single decision. It’s not a suggestion anymore”. However, as an assistant coach, one has the leverage to make suggestions. “Your word is bond. Whatever you say goes. Understanding that everything falls on you. Sometimes can be overwhelming,” added Scott. A prime example of the above case would be 2x MVP Steve Nash. The Phoenix Suns icon became the head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, where he guided Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, which ultimately turned out to be a failure. 

“I really truly think if you have a year or two on the bench, that gained experience will help you so much. But going in there cold turkey is a whole lot tougher than you think,” Scott concluded.

Does that mean JJ Redick cannot be a good fit for the Lakers? 

Not exactly, but to be a coach for the Lakers, it takes a lot. This job has some high pressure, which a lot of analysts and veterans have always highlighted. It is not easy to fill the shoes of a head coach for the Lakers. The firings of Frank Vogel, Darvin Ham, and other names that preceded them are proof of it.

Scott has made his point, let’s see what the LA unit is about to do.