Seven weeks after dismissing Darvin Ham, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their new head coach: JJ Redick, a former 15-year NBA player turned podcaster and broadcaster, according to sources familiar with the situation from The Athletic. Redick has signed a four-year contract worth approximately $8 million per season with the Lakers, as per sources knowledgeable about the deal.
Behind the scenes, the Lakers had been focusing on Redick, 39, for the last four weeks, impressed with his potential to lead the team for years to come, not just during LeBron James’ remaining time in the league.
Redick initially interviewed with Lakers executive Rob Pelinka for the head coaching position during the week of May 13 at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. He then visited the Lakers facility on June 15 for a follow-up meeting with Pelinka and owners Jeanie, Joey, and Jesse Buss.
Multiple sources described Redick as “impressive” during his visit to Los Angeles, discussing his offensive and defensive strategies and showing his dedication to the sport, indicating a willingness to put in the long hours required of a head coach in today’s NBA.
He outlined his decision-making process in terms of strategy, emphasizing the importance of analysis and empirical data in guiding his choices rather than relying on outdated beliefs. Redick discussed tailoring his system to the Lakers’ roster, with a focus on maximizing Anthony Davis’ involvement, especially in late-game situations, and reducing the ballhandling responsibilities on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Managing James’ workload, particularly as he approaches 40 in December, will be crucial.
For the Lakers, Redick’s ability to connect with stars like James and Davis is seen as seamless given his status as a respected former player. However, his effectiveness in developing the rest of the roster and leading the coaching staff remains critical. Players like Austin Reaves will likely be part of strong offensive attacks under Redick’s guidance, who will also be tasked with developing young talents such as Rui Hachimura and Max Christie.
During his interactions with Pelinka and Lakers ownership, Redick showed promise, according to team sources. However, the true tests of his coaching abilities will come during training camp and the season, as he navigates player relationships and manages the locker room.
After retiring from playing in 2021, Redick has quickly ascended in the media world, running his podcast network, co-hosting the “Mind the Game” show with James, and serving as a color commentator during the NBA Finals while pursuing head coaching opportunities. Redick previously interviewed for coaching positions with the Toronto Raptors in 2023 and the Charlotte Hornets this year, with no prior professional coaching experience aside from coaching his son’s youth basketball team.
Sources familiar with Redick’s mindset state that he is eager to transition to an NBA head coaching role and embrace the challenges that come with it as the next step in his basketball journey.
As Redick watched the NBA playoffs as a commentator and spectator, he envisioned how he could leverage a potential roster led by James and Davis. Just a few years after retiring from playing, Redick has embarked on his next basketball challenge.
The Lakers encountered some twists and turns in their coaching search.
Most of the process involved Pelinka meeting with candidates off-site or virtually, rather than at Lakers headquarters. After his discussion with Redick, Pelinka met with Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego in Los Angeles on May 20. Other candidates, such as Sam Cassell from Boston, Micah Nori from Minnesota, David Adelman from Denver, and Chris Quinn from Miami, had virtual meetings.
Borrego became the first candidate to visit the Lakers’ facility on May 29 for a follow-up meeting with Pelinka and ownership.
Leading up to and following Borrego’s second visit, some Lakers insiders believed that the focus of the coaching search was on Redick. With other experienced coaches off the market, such as Mike Budenholzer going to the Suns and Ty Lue staying with the Clippers on a long-term extension, sources close to the situation mentioned that Redick’s chances of landing the Lakers job increased, viewing him as a high-potential candidate capable of balancing winning and player development while learning from early mistakes.
Suddenly, Dan Hurley emerged as a candidate on June 6, with reports indicating that he was the Lakers’ top target. Beyond Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, few knew about the pursuit until Hurley visited the Lakers on June 7 with his wife, Andrea.
After being offered a lucrative six-year, $70 million contract by the Lakers, Hurley returned home to Connecticut to consider his decision. On June 10, he opted to remain at UConn, signing a new contract expected to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball.
Some within and outside the Lakers organization questioned the sincerity of the Lakers’ pursuit of Hurley, wondering if he used the interest to negotiate a better deal at UConn. One team source described the Hurley situation as a last-ditch effort.
However, Jeanie Buss was reportedly keen on hiring Hurley as the next coach and was disappointed when the attempt fell through, according to team sources.
Hurley mentioned that the Lakers’ interest began on June 5 and denied leveraging the Lakers’ offer to secure a raise at UConn during media interviews. He did acknowledge that improvements were needed in the areas of name, image, and likeness collective payments and staff salaries at UConn.
Following Hurley’s decision, the Lakers regrouped on June 11 and ultimately pursued their top choice in Redick, according to sources. After a meeting on June 15, Redick spoke with Davis, emphasizing the importance of their relationship moving forward.
The decision to hire Redick was made with a focus on prioritizing Davis’ input in the process and ensuring alignment on the team’s vision. Other key players were reportedly supportive of the decision.
Los Angeles believes that Redick will be the long-term coaching solution the franchise has been seeking for over a decade.
Since Phil Jackson’s departure in 2011, the Lakers have gone through seven head coaches (eight if counting Bernie Bickerstaff’s interim tenure). Despite past successes, job security has been fleeting in LA, as evidenced by the departures of championship-winning coaches like Frank Vogel and Ham.
Redick, at 39, possesses many qualities sought by the Lakers for their next coach. There are internal comparisons to a young Pat Riley, making a transition from playing to coaching similar to Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr. However, success is not guaranteed, as many former players who became first-time head coaches have faced challenges in meeting expectations.
Legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski reportedly provided valuable insights during the coaching search process, shedding light on candidates like Redick and offering guidance on building the desired team culture.
Assistant coaching candidates for Redick’s staff include Scott Brooks, Rajon Rondo, Jared Dudley, and Sam Cassell, according to sources.
Redick’s hiring comes at a critical time, ahead of the NBA Draft and James’ upcoming free agency decision. The team is prepared to adapt to any roster changes that will keep James in Los Angeles, signaling a new era for Lakers basketball.
(Top photo: Tyler Ross / NBAE via Getty Images)