Unbelievable: LeBron James asked to “make JJ Redick the coach.”
After parting ways with Darvin Ham, the Los Angeles Lakers are searching for a new head coach. A former player has pushed the franchise to select JJ Redick.
After Darvin Ham left the Los Angeles Lakers following a poor postseason in which they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets, it has been predicted that the team will look to JJ Redick as their next head coach.
Despite leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals the previous season—where they were defeated by the eventual champion Nuggets—and coming back to win the first-ever in-season competition in December, Ham was fired.
But his two years with the squad came to an abrupt end when they lost to the Nuggets in just five games in the first round of this year’s playoffs due to outplaying them. It was their second consecutive season of losing to the Nuggets.
JJ Redick has been mentioned by former Laker Matt Barnes, who is part of the Lakers’ search for a new leader to mentor players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Barnes emphasized Redick’s keen basketball intelligence and implied he’s up for the job, even if he acknowledged the tremendous pressure and scrutiny that come with the position.
Barnes told TMZ, “JJ’s a great mind, he definitely deserves a shot.” Both a hot seat and a fallback position will always be available for the Lakers seat. Whoever accepts it, better prepare yourself. A strong skin is a must.”
Strong ties between Redick and LeBron James, who co-host the podcast “Mind the Game” produced by Redick’s ThreeFourTwo Productions and James’ Uninterrupted, are another factor supporting Redick’s possible candidacy, according to the Mirror US.
James and Redick provide viewers a great understanding of basketball by delving deeply into the nuances of the game in their video series. They provide viewers with guidance through the sport’s numerous features, including plays, moves, and language, by sharing their personal experiences and expertise.
The Lakers are scheduling interviews with prospective prospects such as Redick, who has garnered much interest owing to his triumphant metamorphosis into a pivotal figure in the sports press. Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Durant, two of the biggest names in the game, have been interviewed by him on his podcast, “The Old Man and the Three”.
Redick was recently entertained as a candidate for head coaching jobs with the Charlotte Hornets and the Toronto Raptors. He eventually turned down offers to become a coach with the Boston Celtics in 2022, despite rumors to the contrary.
This week, former NBA champion Byron Scott suggested that LeBron James join the Lakers as a player-coach. Scott, who is well-known for being willing to change coaches when things go tough, made the argument that the 39-year-old superstar might as well lead the squad himself.
“Make LeBron the coach,” Scott said at Skip Bayless during their match on Undisputed. “My feelings for LeBron are only love and respect. I consider him to be one of the best players to have ever played this game, and I adore him. However, it seems clear to me that he is involved in many of the decisions made by coaches and players within this [Lakers] organization.”
“Therefore, if you’re going to give him the authority to decide, then take a seat on the bench and decide too. Take the lead as the coach.”
