Paul Pierce Snubs JJ Redick; Makes Wildcard Pick With “Attitude” to Handle LeBron for Lakers HC Position

Who will be the next Lakers coach is one question that seems to have answers from everybody. Paul Pierce too has given his opinion on the Undisputed show and it’s a name nobody expected. With reports emerging that the meeting process has already begun for the vacant position, it will be interesting who the Lakers hire as their coach. 

Previously the 

Boston Celtics star warned JJ Redick to not accept the position as the head coach. According to him, “That job is set up for scrutiny… Look at how it’s set up for somebody to be the scapegoat.” But now Pierce is recommending a former teammate of his for the job.

“You know what? To be honest, to be honest. If we gonna go that route, I would almost rather see Rajon (Rondo) in that position. I know Rajon, I’ve been around Rajon. He’s… aspiring to be a coach like this has always been since he was a player.” Pierce reasoned his pick further stating, “Rando has an attitude that’s gonna get respected and he gonna command the locker room.”

In 2018, Rajon had shared his interest in assuming the role of both a General Manager and a coach. His then HC, Alvin Gentry, had backed the interest saying someone that smart should be let to lead. Now, even Skip Bayliss agrees.

He said, “Oh, that’s a good one,” and asserted that Rando will be able to say no to LeBron — something many analysts have deemed essential. Pierce aligns with the view, stating that LeBron James will definitely respect the former because of their previous Lakers stint. Pierce is indeed right on the aspect.

The two stars shared the locker room for two years and went on to win the championship in 2020. Following the phase, King James sang praises for the point guard upon retirement. “One of the best players I ever played with,” James said. “Obviously, his IQ was out of this world. I was very lucky to get to team up with him.” On the other hand, JJ Redick has been advised against joining the Lakers due to a close association with LeBron. According to Udonis Haslem, “If it’s JJ, you’re going to have a cynical locker room.” He believes the players are going to converse, ‘Is coach gonna do a podcast after the game with LeBron?’ losing an authoritative environment.

However, according to reports 3 people are already currently the favorites for the position.

The Lakers have begun meetings for the new coach

Shams Charania and Jovan Buha from The Athletic have reported that league sources have confirmed that the meetings have begun. Apart from Redick, 2 other names have been interviewed. New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell over the past several days.

The hyper for Redick seems to be real. He is even compared to Pat Riley, who could both help the franchise in the short term and lead it for years. The report also suggested that the Lakers are looking at Anthony Davis as the next superstar to lead the franchisee. For that Borrego seems the perfect mix since he developed a good understanding with him during his stint at the Pelicans.

The search doesn’t end there the list also has the names of 3 more people. Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn.

So the Lakers are leaving no stone unturned in the process of hiring a new coach, but who do you think is the front-runner?