JUST IN: Lakers set to Finalized Deal With JJ Redick as Next Head Coach.
Although it was stated that the Los Angeles Lakers were taking their time selecting a new head coach, it appears that they had made a choice. Former NBA shooting guard JJ Redick is reportedly finalizing his deal to take over the locker room, and a formal announcement is anticipated soon, according to league insider Shams Charania.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the front-runner to be the franchise’s next head coach, league and media industry sources told The Athletic.”
Although there are still a few steps to go before the Lakers formally make the hire, Redick is seen as the best candidate for the position, which confirms what we have been hearing for weeks.
“According to league sources, the Lakers are still in the process of searching for a head coach, and no decision has been made officially.” However, there are solid signs that Redick is currently their top pick, according to Shams.
At this moment, Redick has the job to lose, but the Lakers have other names that have come into play. James Borrego, the best assistant for the Pelicans, is also eligible, although he is a distant second to JJ.
“Over the past few weeks, Redick and Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego have been the focus of the Lakers’ serious search,” Charania stated.
Similar to Darvin Ham, Redick has very little experience as a head coach, thus the Lakers are taking a big chance. They can’t afford to bring in a coach who will be learning on the job with LeBron James at 39. Even still, it appears they have high expectations for Redick’s leadership in the locker room and believe that, as a former athlete, he will connect with the players in a manner that very few coaches can.
Since Phil Jackson during the Kobe Bryant era, the Lakers have not had a permanent head coach. Following Phil’s retirement in 2011, the team has gone through a number of managers, including Byron Scott, Luke Walton, Mike D’Antoni, Frank Vogel, and most recently, Darvin Ham.
The Lakers are desperate to break the trend this year and sign a player who can succeed in the upcoming season as well as make a significant impact over the following several decades.
“The Lakers have been seeking a coach who has the potential and staying power to be their head man for now and the long-term, as someone who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly gameplan and provide a level of structure and organization,” Charania stated. “It’s believed the franchise views Redick as the candidate who can check those boxes.”
There’s no denying that LeBron personally selected Redick. Although James has no direct say in the coaching search, his podcast with Redick showcased his intelligence and experience and outlined all the qualities that this respected 15-year NBA veteran brings to the story.
The Lakers’ perception of him as a possible savior makes sense, and I believe he has the ability to significantly alter both the atmosphere in the locker room and the level of play on the court. However, the roster needs to get better if the Lakers are to get the outcomes they desire, and Rob Pelinka is already working very hard to make that happen.
