Because the Los Angeles Lakers proceed to search for their seventh head coach since Phil Jackson’s 2011 retirement, one title has stood out within the reporting surrounding the search: JJ Redick. The previous player-turned-broadcaster has been incessantly cited as one of many crew’s prime targets, and The Athletic’s Jovan Buha known as Redick the “slight favourite” for the place on his YouTube channel. Whereas the search continues to be in its infancy, one newer growth definitely works in Redick’s favor.
In keeping with Buha and Shams Charania, former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has emerged as an unofficial guide to the Lakers throughout this search. Krzyzewski famously coached Redick at Duke throughout his adorned four-year collegiate profession, and 20 years in the past, the faculty legend additionally discovered himself on the heart of a Lakers teaching search. When the Lakers fired Jackson following the 2004 Finals loss to the Detroit Pistons, Krzyzewski was their prime goal to teach Kobe Bryant. He finally declined the place, however now, his former pupil seems to be within the thick of the 2024 search.
That does not imply the job is his, although. In keeping with Buha and Charania’s reporting, the three preliminary targets for the job are Redick, former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego and present Boston Celtics assistant and former NBA All-Star Sam Cassell. A number of different candidates have been cited, although, and the Lakers are anticipated to be deliberate of their course of. Buha famous on YouTube that “they need a coach that may be their model of an Erik Spoelstra, their model of a Steve Kerr,” which means a coach who can lead them for the long-term and construct a sustainable tradition.
That perspective makes Redick a extra viable candidate than the phrases underneath which earlier searches have been held. When the Lakers employed Frank Vogel, for example, negotiations fell aside with Ty Lue partially on account of their unwillingness to present him a contract longer than three years. The implication was that the Lakers considered Lue as a coach for LeBron James greater than a long-term franchise fixture. With James nearing the tip of his profession, the Lakers clearly wish to maximize his championship window, however are finally acknowledging that the following period of Lakers basketball will want a pacesetter that may outlast him.
Nonetheless, Redick’s relationship with James would certainly be a constructive as he transitions from a media profession into teaching. A number of experiences indicated that Darvin Ham struggled to get the locker room to purchase in final season. If James backs Redick, his teammates will possible comply with. The 2 of them host the Thoughts the Recreation podcast collectively.
Irrespective of who the Lakers seek the advice of or what they’re on the lookout for, although, Redick has a methods to go. It’s uncommon for any coach to get a prime job with no skilled or collegiate expertise, and Redick must persuade the Lakers that he can study shortly if he’s going to get this job.
