Key Takeaways:
– Los Angeles Lakers are in the process of interviewing for their new head coach, with JJ Redick being a strong contender.
– Redick reportedly has a strong desire to coach, despite having no previous experience.
– The Lakers’ are allegedly drawn to Redick’s potential, likening him to the legendary Pat Riley.
– LeBron James, despite being the star of the team and hosting a podcast with Redick, is reportedly staying out of the coaching search.
– Critics argue that Redick might face challenges because of his lack of coaching experience and his perceived ‘snobby attitude.’
Kristine Froeba of Digital Chew reports on the search for the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach, which has reportedly honed in on a handful of potential candidates, most notably, JJ Redick.
Interviews Begin for Lakers’ Head Coach Search
The Lakers have started the process of interviewing candidates for their head coach position, currently vacant. League sources are indicating that James Borrego, Sam Cassell, and JJ Redick are among the top contenders for the role. Notably, Redick is a former NBA player and media analyst who has been receiving significant attention for the position. The Lakers appear to be taken with Redick’s potential, viewing him similarly to former legendary Lakers coach Pat Riley.
According to Jovan Buha and Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers see qualities in Redick that echo Pat Riley, one of their most successful coaches. This endorsement, however, is not to suggest that Redick is the next Riley. It does, however, illustrate the high regard in which the Lakers hold Redick as they envision his potential coaching career.
Redick’s Unconventional Path to Coaching and Comparisons with Pat Riley
Like Riley, Redick’s path to the head coaching role would be unconventional, transitioning from a player to a broadcaster and then potentially to a coach. Riley had a nine-year stint in the NBA as a player, which included a championship win with the Lakers in 1972. After two years as a broadcaster, Riley returned to the Lakers as an assistant in 1979 and was promoted to head coach in 1981, a position he held for nine years. During his tenure, the Lakers made multiple NBA Finals appearances and won several championships.
While Redick’s potential ascension to the Lakers’ head coaching role is drawing comparisons to Riley, his journey is also likened to that of current Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr transitioned from player to broadcaster to front office member before stepping into his coaching role. Kerr has led the Warriors to multiple NBA Finals wins, further cementing the possibility of former players successfully transitioning into coaching roles.
Controversy over Redick’s Prospective Appointment
Despite the Lakers’ apparent admiration for Redick, there is some contention over his suitability as head coach. Redick’s former teammate Udonis Haslem believes Redick does not command the necessary respect to lead the team, raising concerns about the potential for cynicism in the locker room. Furthermore, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins expresses doubt over whether Redick could translate his basketball IQ into effective coaching, given the notable ‘snobby Duke attitude’ he is perceived to carry.
However, these criticisms are purely speculative at this stage. Redick’s reputation precedes him, but it is too soon to predict his potential impact as head coach based on his persona alone.
As the Lakers continue their search for a new head coach, fans and critics alike will be following the process closely. Should Redick be confirmed as the rumored front runner, it will certainly mark a new chapter in his basketball career.
In conclusion, JJ Redick is shaping up to be a serious contender for the Lakers’ coaching vacancy, despite his lack of coaching experience. His transition from player to potential coach can be seen as a testament to his existing knowledge of the game.