ESPN Analyst JJ Redick Considered for Lakers Head Coach: Kendrick Perkins Expresses Support

Key Takeaways:

* Kendrick Perkins supports ESPN colleague JJ Redick’s potential transition from broadcaster to Lakers head coach.
* Perkins stresses that Redick will need to lose his “snobby Duke attitude” to succeed in coaching.
* Lakers reportedly see Redick as a ‘Pat Riley-like’ coaching prospect.
* LeBron James reportedly has not been involved in any conversations regarding Redick’s potential new role.

Former NBA Champion and ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins recently shared his thoughts on fellow ESP analyst JJ Redick potentially becoming the new head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. While supportive, Perkins insisted that Redick needs to tone down his “Duke” attitude in order to effectively engage with the locker room and win its support.

A Necessary Adjustment for Redick

On the ESPN show “NBA Today”, aired on May 20, Perkins expressed his views regarding Redick’s possible transition. He emphasized that understanding the game in terms of tactics and strategy is important, but capturing the respect and attention of the locker room is equally crucial. For this, Redick must leave behind any collegiate elitism, the so-called “snobby Duke attitude.”

Perkins referenced examples of successful coaches like Gregg Popovich and Rick Carlisle, stressing how they also had to adapt their approach in their transition phases. He shared this viewpoint to prepare Redick for what lies ahead considering the fact he has never coached at any professional level.

A Potential Career Like Pat Riley

If Redick secures the prestigious role of the Lakers head coach, his career would parallel that of legendary sports figure Pat Riley. The trajectory would involve moving from being a player to a media analyst and then a coach, much like Riley who is now the team president of Miami Heat.

Reports suggest that the Lakers franchise views Redick as a coaching prospect similar to Riley. Information published by The Athletic on May 21 quoted league sources stating the team’s fascination with Redick’s potential.

Three’s a Crowd: Redick Not The Only Candidate

Yet Redick isn’t the only candidate being considered for the position. The Lakers are conducting an extensive coaching search, having held formal meetings with candidates like Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell.

Other potential candidates awaiting interviews are Nuggets assistant David Adelman, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, and Heat assistant Chris Quinn. Notably, as of May 21, Draft Kings Sportsbook pegged Redick as the frontrunner for the job.

Surprisingly, LeBron James, despite co-hosting a podcast with Redick, allegedly has not been involved in any discussion regarding the latter’s possible coaching role. NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed this on FanDuel TV, stating that just because LeBron and Redick work together on a podcast, it doesn’t mean LeBron is campaigning for Redick as head coach.

For now, everyone awaits the Lakers’ final decision, expected to be announced before the eminent June 26-27 NBA draft.