via Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
via Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The speculations of LA Lakers moving to the next option from Darvin Ham are getting stronger. While there have been multiple names that could likely be in consideration, one name making it to the headlines is JJ Redick. Notably, Redick had earlier expressed his desire to be an NBA coach, and he is already close to Lakers star LeBron James as the duo runs the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast together as co-hosts. Appearing on an episode of Gil’s Arena, ex-NBA star Rashad McCants revealed the perks of having Redick.
McCants claimed on Gil’s Arena that LeBron is “coaching JJ to be the coach.” McCants stated his reason for believing this way is the direct benefit that the King receives from this. “JJ and LeBron start a podcast. JJ says he wants to be a coach. LeBron knows Darvin’s a*s and his days are numbered. JJ gets hired by the Lakers. LeBron is still a player. JJ, get to coach LeBron. They bring in Bronnie. The podcast thrives,” said the 39-year-old ex-NBA star.
“[LeBron] is coaching JJ to be the coach!”
The Gil’s Arena crew discusses if JJ Redick should be the Lakers next head coach if Darvin Ham gets fired pic.twitter.com/0kloxaZnHw
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) April 30, 2024
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McCants further mentioned that his claims of LeBron James coaching Redick are visible in the discussions they have. “They talk about the game like, yo, you know, this what I would do. LeBron, I’ll give you the ball right here, and it works,” he said. Well, Redick parlaying a podcast with James indeed tops the list when it comes to the ex-NBA star’s illustrious career. He may not have a coaching history, but the NBA has seen teams hiring less qualified coaches to lead their bench.
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It is worth mentioning that even Redick has doubled down on his efforts to be an NBA coach. He was reportedly in touch with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors regarding the same.
What could Redick’s desire to be an NBA coach mean for the Lakers?
The ex-Orlando Magic star had recently re-emphasized his desire to be an NBA coach in an episode of The Pivot Podcast. “I have a desire to coach in the NBA. Life is about timing, life is about the right situation. So I can’t say a when, and I can’t say a definite it’s going to happen,” he said.
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However, it is to be seen if the Lakers will pay any heed to Redick’s desire, as they may not once again want to go with an option who has no prior experience in coaching. Notably, although Darvin Ham had prior experience as an assistant coach, the Lakers were his first stint as a head coach. And the results that came out ever since Ham took charge were not so desirable for the franchise.
The Lakers suffered a clean sweep in the conference finals of the 2023 season and a 4-1 ousting in the first round of playoffs this season. Moreover, the team had to go through the play-in tournament in both seasons. So it is less likely for the Lakers to gamble on an option like Redick, who has no experience as an assistant coach either.
