Key Takeaways:
– Former basketball star JJ Redick is reportedly a front-runner for the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach position, despite never having coached professionally.
– Ex-Celtics player Paul Pierce suggests that former teammate Rajon Rondo would be better suited for the role.
– LeBron James endorses this idea, expressing high praise for Rondo’s basketball IQ.
– While there’s currently no sign that Rondo plans to move into a coaching role, his knowledge of the Lakers rim and strong relationship with key players could make him a viable candidate.
The Search for Lakers’ New Coach
The head coach search for the Los Angeles Lakers is reportedly heating up, and former NBA player JJ Redick seems to be the favorite among the contender. Redick boasts a 15-year stint in the NBA, although he has no professional coaching experience. Nevertheless, he is revered in basketball circles, and his visible synergy with Lakers star LeBron James – with whom he co-hosts a podcast – adds to his popularity.
“A Better Fix”: Pierce Nominates Rondo
Yet, for Paul Pierce, the Hall of Fame inductee and former Boston Celtics star, there is a more suitable candidate. Pierce proposes former teammate Rajon Rondo for the position. During the May 21 episode of “UNDISPUTED,” Pierce voiced, “If you’re going to talk about JJ Redick, I’d rather have Rondo. I know LeBron respects Rajon on that same level of basketball IQ.”
LeBron James Agrees: Rondo Has What It Takes
Pierce’s proposition isn’t unfounded. LeBron James himself has high esteem for Rondo’s basketball IQ. On an episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, when Redick asked James about a former teammate he could envision excelling as a coach, James was quick to mention Rondo.
“Rajon Rondo for sure,” James said, highlighting Rondo’s ability to strategize quickly and intuitively. He added that Rondo’s absence from the coaching scene was somewhat surprising to him.
Rondo: No Rush To Coach
Despite these endorsements, Rondo doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to transition from player to coach. In a March interview, when asked about his future plans, Rondo hinted that he’s waiting for LeBron to secure a team.
Weighing The Options: Redick Vs. Rondo
As things stand, Redick seems the better fit for the Lakers. His recent associations with basketball platforms and experiences from previous coaching job interviews give him an edge over Rondo, who is yet to make any formal move towards coaching.
However, neither Redick nor Rondo have established their credibility to take on high-profile head coaching jobs. The Lakers’ dilemma is reminiscent of other teams’ gambles, like the Brooklyn Nets’, when they hired Steve Nash, one of the most reputed basketball minds, only to be met with disappointment.
Choosing a former player as a head coach, especially one without any relevant experience, comes with substantial risk. However, the options for the Lakers are limited. It remains to be seen whether the coaching assignments will go to Redick or Rondo or an entirely different candidate.
The intensity of the Lakers’ coaching hunt continues to rise, with high expectations from fans, the team, and the basketball community. It will be interesting to watch how these potential changes impact the team’s trajectory.