BREAKING: Lakers hire JJ Redick as next head coach

The Lakers have hired JJ Redick as their next head coach. Redick has never coached but played 15 seasons in the NBA.

Redick, 39, has inked a 4-year deal with the franchise.

BREAKING: THE LAKERS HAVE HIRED LEBRON’S PODCAST HOST AS THEIR NEXT HEAD COACH 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wQR3uyq30k

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 20, 2024

JJ Redick has been the frontrunner in the media for the position all offseason. The Lakers did pursue UConn’s Dan Hurley, but after he declined their offer, LA shifted their focus back to Redick.

Now, the front office must prioritize surrounding Redick with an experienced assistant coaching staff to maximize his potential.

During their search, Shams Charania and Jovan Buha reported that the Lakers view Redick as a “Pat Riley-like coaching prospect who could both help the franchise in the short term and lead it for years.”

Throughout this process, the Purple and Gold have sought a coach to develop their team long-term after the LeBron James era.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski, Rob Pelinka and the front office sought to find a coach who would prioritize the development of their young talent with players like Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Rui Hachimura. 

Per the new CBA-

NBA Teams can begin negotiating new deals with their own players immediately after the NBA Finals ends.

I’d imagine the Lakers 1st order of business is checking in on D’angelo Russell & Max Christie.

Better retainment clarity prior to the Draft would be great. pic.twitter.com/Jo453kIRIb

— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) June 17, 2024

The commitment to three young pieces is an excellent sign for the future of the Purple and Gold. Christie, in particular, has shown flashes of being a quality 3&D contributor. Under Darvin Ham, the 21-year-old saw inconsistent minutes and didn’t have the opportunity to showcase what he could bring to the team.

Under Hurley, that is likely to change. With Christie seemingly a part of the franchise’s young core, they will likely re-sign him as he enters restricted free agency.

The Lakers also wanted a coach who could design a scheme that would maximize Anthony Davis on both ends of the floor.

.@KingJames talks about watching Bronny go through the NBA Draft process.

Watch Episode 8 with LeBron and @jj_redick: https://t.co/5hyyY2bIhe pic.twitter.com/E8yiFwbFZ5

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 22, 2024

Redick should be able to accomplish this, as he has proven to have a high basketball IQ.

Redick also has a great relationship with LeBron James, as they have a podcast together, ‘Mind the Game.’

The Lakers look like they have their guy with Redick. He has a great basketball IQ and will look to translate that into being a successful head coach in the NBA.