The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly ‘zeroing in’ on their target to be the team’s next head coach, and according to Shams Charania, that someone is ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick.
The former Duke sensation-turned NBA veteran-turned NBA broadcaster now may enter the coaching realm. There have been reports aplenty that Redick was a target of the Lakers, who dismissed Darvin Ham after the team exited the NBA Playoffs in the first round. Another dispiriting loss to the Denver Nuggets was all the franchise needed to make a move. Now, it appears they’re moving even closer to hiring Redick.
Charania reported the news on Tuesday evening.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the frontrunner for franchise’s next head coach,” Charania wrote, citing sources from the league and basketball world.
The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the frontrunner for franchise’s next head coach, league and industry sources say.
Developing story at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/PqVJt8OBjs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024
Shortly after the Lakers dismissed Ham, Redick’s name emerged as a potential candidate. There was a backlash, with several pundits like Colin Cowherd questioning Redick over his head coaching prowess. It’s true that he’s never coached in the league before, though he does have an existing relationship with LeBron James through a podcast. That said, we’ll see how it all ends up shaking out.
Usually, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Redick’s name has been the most prominent name throughout this search.
If the Lakers hire Redick, then we’ll see who ESPN decides to turn to to replace him in the booth. Redick is currently working alongside Hall of Famer Mike Breen and Doris Burke on ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage.
Ironically, Redick replaced Doc Rivers in the booth after he left to take a head coaching job, while Rivers replaced Jeff Van Gundy, who was reportedly let go in part because ESPN was worried he’d leave to take a coaching job.
