After the Los Angeles Lakers decided to move on from head coach Darvin Ham, they opted for an unconventional choice by hiring JJ Redick as his successor.
Redick, who has no coaching experience beyond his children’s youth games, represents a significant gamble for a team aiming to contend for championships while LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain at peak performance.
In a recent interview with Petros and Money on AM 570 LA Sports, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss discussed the decision to hire Redick, expressing her enthusiasm for his vision and approach:
“We wanted to think outside the box. JJ brings a unique vision, and while I’m not going to delve into basketball specifics, we were looking for someone who could offer a fresh perspective and focus on developing young talent. I prefer to let the results speak for themselves, so I’m not going to make bold predictions. He needs time to establish his style. I’m very impressed with his staff, and even though it’s not required, players are coming in to work out. With experienced coaches like Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks on board, JJ will have valuable support as he transitions into his head coaching role. His 12-year playing career gives him a solid understanding of the league, and I believe he will be an excellent leader.”
Redick has made a point of surrounding himself with experienced individuals, including former head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks.
Although Buss typically leaves basketball decisions to Rob Pelinka, she clearly endorsed Redick’s appointment, suggesting he made a strong impression during the interview process.
Additionally, Redick’s close friendship with LeBron James could facilitate early buy-in from both James and Davis. For the Lakers to return to championship contention, Redick will play a crucial role, and it’s promising that the team is starting with a unified approach.
As training camp approaches, Lakers players have been engaging in workouts at the facility under Redick’s supervision, with a noticeable shift towards more live basketball sessions, indicating Redick’s early influence.
